|
by Tamar Love Grande
When disaster strikes, the very last thing you want to do is frantically gather critical supplies. Besides, the best way to avert disaster is to be totally prepared for it, right? Do yourself and your dachshund a favor, and assemble an emergency preparedness kit.
The American Red Cross recommends you keep the same type of emergency kit for your dachshund as you would for your family. Store everything in a plastic tub or in a dog crate in a convenient place.
- Extra medications
- Pet first aid kit (see below)
- Food, treats, potable water, bowls
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers
- Current photos of your pets
- Pet beds, blankets and toys, if easily transportable
In a waterproof bag, store information about your dachshund's feeding, medical conditions and any behavior problems; copies of your pet's dog license, vaccination records and microchip paperwork; and current photos of your pet.
Every six months, switch out the food and treats to keep them fresh, and check the medications to make sure they haven't expired.
Although human first aid kits have many supplies that will work for dachshund emergencies, they don't have everything you'll need to help your dachshund in a critical situation. Either purchase a pet first aid kit or assemble your own with these supplies:
- Gauze sponges
- Triple antibacterial ointment
- Rubbing alcohol
- Betadine
- Ear syringe
- Cotton squares
- Q-tips
- Ace bandages
- Gauze bandages
- Nonstick wrapping bandages
- Bandage scissors
- Sterile, non-adherent pad
- Hypoallergenic tape
- White petroleum jelly
- Eye wash
- Hot spot spray or foam
- Pepto Bismol tablets
- Benadryl
- Buffered aspirin
- Kaopectate tablets
- Hydrocortisone 1% cream
- Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting)
- Tweezers
- Muzzle
- Rectal thermometer
Keep your main pet first-aid kit at home, and store a smaller kit in your car.
Lost Dog Flier
Plan ahead and create a “lost dog” flier on your computer. If the worst happens, you won’t have to waste precious time creating a flier for posting and handing out to neighbors.
Pet First Aid
Another way to prepare for emergencies is to take a pet first aid class. The American Red Cross offers regular classes. Southern California residents can also take classes with Denise Fleck of Sunny Dog Ink.
top of page
|
