Being Prepared
Emergencies often happen when you least expect. As part of being a responsible dog owner, you must make sure that you are ready and prepared to look after your pet should an accident or emergency occur. There are a few simple measures that you can put in place to help you in this task. Some are focused on garden-related safety, and others on more general safety preparations.
First Aid
Keep a comprehensive first aid kit in an easily accessible place in your home.
Specific dog and pet first aid kits are widely available (see here for suggestions).
You should also keep a basic first aid kit in your vehicle for times when you are out and about with your dog.
Keep a book on pet first aid with your first aid kit for ease of reference in an emergency.
A quick reference guide can save valuable seconds in a situation where time is limited.
It is also useful to keep a pet first aid book in your vehicle for emergency situations when you are out and about.
Emergency Contacts
Keep a note of your vet's telephone number near your home phone, and also stored in your mobile.
You should also have the number of the nearest emergency vet hospital stored alongside these for emergency care outside of normal clinic hours.
Arrange with at least one friend, family member or neighbor who is familiar with your dog that they act as an emergency guardian.
It is important to have a reliable person on standby should you need to leave your pet in someone else's hands, for instance if someone close to you requires emergency medical care and you have to take them to hospital.
Keep telephone numbers for an emergency contact in your mobile phone under the name ICE.
Emergency services personnel often look for contacts under this name.
Make sure that the person you list as a contact is aware that if you are involved in an incident your dog may be left alone at home or elsewhere and you may need them to take charge in such circumstance.
Be sure that they are happy with this responsibility and that you are confident in their ability to care for your pet.
Make sure they have access to a set of keys to your house, and leave them written instructions of your pets' food and medical requirements.
Emergency and Travel Kits
Prepare an emergency pack with supplies for your dog.
This will be invaluable should you ever you need to leave your home in a hurry.
Your emergency kit should contain a copy of your dog's medical records, two weeks' supply of any medication they are on
(be sure to rotate this regularly so as it does not expire), a spare lead, collar and harness, and recent photographs of your dog.
You could also include water and food bowls (collapsible bowls are good for saving space),
a few days worth of food, and plastic bags for cleaning up after your dog
As with all the contents of these page, the above is intended for educational purposes only. This information is not intended as medical advice, and should not replace veterinary consultation or treatment.