Thursday, October 4, 2012

DIY Pet Survival Kits: What You Need

By Shawna Trujillo


Everyone needs to have pet survival kits in their home. Your animals are just as important as the humans in the family and so it is wise to set aside emergency items for them, as well. Unfortunately, most pet owners have yet to pick up or create a pet kit of their own.

When there is an earthquake, hurricane or other disaster, it can take days for help to arrive. Rescue crews usually come in with only resources to help humans, not animals. It can be heartbreaking to leave a pet behind without adequate food or shelter.

Everyone knows that it is a good idea to have food and water for at least 72 hours in an emergency kit. In pet survival kits, this is also important. You can make your own kit by ensuring that you have everything your animals will need during those three days.

To prepare your own emergency kid, it is a good idea to keep everything in a hard sided case to prevent any damage to the contents. Everything should be kept in good condition. It is also important to be able to access the kit easily and in many cases, it is advised to keep it outdoors, where it is still accessible, even if structures are destroyed.

Water is extremely vital in keeping animals alive and most will die within a few days without the precious liquid. Keep a container for water in the kit, perhaps a folding bowl, so that you can always provide fresh water for your pets. A gallon is a good amount of water to have on hand per day, per pet, but the amount they drink will depend greatly on size.

As long as they have water, animals can survive for some time without food. However, many pet owners assume their critter will be able to hunt and forage and this is simply not true. Animals that have been kept inside most of their lives and especially cats that are declawed will have issues with being outdoors and finding food. Keep enough food on hand to last for at least 3 days. Cans of food are always a good option and will need to be replaced twice a year with fresher food. Dry cat and dog food is usually good for three months or so, when kept in airtight conditions. It will also need to be replaced on a regular basis.

If your pet requires medications, keep some extras on hand, as well. This is another supply that should be switched out for fresh meds every so often. Make note of the expiration dates and replace several weeks beforehand. You may also want to include first aid supplies designed for animals.

An extra restraint system, with collar and leash, is always useful. In the confusion that occurs after a disaster, pets can be frightened and may take off on their own. It is best if they stay with you, so you can care for them and provide for their basic needs.

It does not matter what kind of emergency is going on, you will want to keep your entire family safe. That includes your pets. It is common sense to have extra water and food on hand for the animals in the home, but most people still do not have pet survival kits in their home. Prepare for all scenarios and make sure your animals are safe.




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