Whether you live in an area of the country where earthquakes are common or rarer, it’s important to ensure that you and your dogs are prepared. Unlike natural disasters that can be forecasted or watched, earthquakes can be a frightening surprise. While we can’t predict when an earthquake will hit, with advanced planning, we can help keep our dogs safe if an earthquake happens.
Dogs should wear properly fitted collars with identification tags. Be sure those identification tags include your up-to-date contact information, including cell phone numbers. Talk with your dog’s veterinarian about getting them microchipped if they aren’t already. If you move or get a new phone number, be sure to update that information in your dog’s microchip account. Updated tags and microchips are important to help you and your dog get reunited if you get separated in an emergency.
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It’s also a good idea to keep updated copies of photographs of your dog with you. If and your dog get separated, you’ll want to have photos of your dog to add to missing dog posts and posters. To prepare for an earthquake, consider putting emergency alert stickers on your doors or windows to alert emergency personnel that you have pets inside the house.
To help prepare for an emergency like an earthquake, all dogs benefit from learning to be comfortable in a crate. Crate training is essential for helping a dog to be comfortable spending time in a crate. During an emergency, your dog may need to spend time in a crate for safety. This is especially likely if your family must evacuate from your home.
The AKC Canine Good Citizen Test measures basic skills that are great for all dogs to work towards. It tests basic obedience skills, as well if you’re dog is comfortable being near other dogs and being approached and handled by friendly strangers. These are skills that dogs benefit from having before any emergency where they may need to be in crowds or handled by strangers.
Chewy
To prepare for an earthquake, every dog should have a to-go bag with the basic supplies they need. In the event of an earthquake, you may need to evacuate your home or shelter in place with your dog without electricity or running water, if local infrastructure is damaged or disrupted. Earthquake kits for dogs should include:
During and after an earthquake, always follow advice from your local and state emergency response organizations. The American Red Cross advises that in the event of an earthquake people should “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” to protect themselves. If the ground starts shaking and your dog is near you, try to keep your dog calm and next to you. In any emergency, including an earthquake, you may need to quickly gather your dog and leave your home. Teach your dog to come when called, and practice in different areas of your house. This will allow you to quickly get your dog wherever they might be in your home.
Keep one of your dog’s leashes easily accessible so you can quickly get out of the house in an emergency. Practice for an emergency by getting your dog and their to-go bag as fast as possible. You can even make it a game and time yourself for how fast you can gather them.
The post Preparing for an Earthquake: How to Help Keep Your Dog Safe appeared first on American Kennel Club.
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Identify Your Dog
Dogs should wear properly fitted collars with identification tags. Be sure those identification tags include your up-to-date contact information, including cell phone numbers. Talk with your dog’s veterinarian about getting them microchipped if they aren’t already. If you move or get a new phone number, be sure to update that information in your dog’s microchip account. Updated tags and microchips are important to help you and your dog get reunited if you get separated in an emergency.
MaryPerry / stock.adobe.com
It’s also a good idea to keep updated copies of photographs of your dog with you. If and your dog get separated, you’ll want to have photos of your dog to add to missing dog posts and posters. To prepare for an earthquake, consider putting emergency alert stickers on your doors or windows to alert emergency personnel that you have pets inside the house.
Work on Basic Training
To help prepare for an emergency like an earthquake, all dogs benefit from learning to be comfortable in a crate. Crate training is essential for helping a dog to be comfortable spending time in a crate. During an emergency, your dog may need to spend time in a crate for safety. This is especially likely if your family must evacuate from your home.
The AKC Canine Good Citizen Test measures basic skills that are great for all dogs to work towards. It tests basic obedience skills, as well if you’re dog is comfortable being near other dogs and being approached and handled by friendly strangers. These are skills that dogs benefit from having before any emergency where they may need to be in crowds or handled by strangers.
Create an Emergency Dog To-Go Bag
Chewy
To prepare for an earthquake, every dog should have a to-go bag with the basic supplies they need. In the event of an earthquake, you may need to evacuate your home or shelter in place with your dog without electricity or running water, if local infrastructure is damaged or disrupted. Earthquake kits for dogs should include:
- Enough bottled water for several days
- Food for your dog for several days
- Collapsible water and food bowls
- Written instructions for how to feed and care for your dog in case someone else needs to take over care of your dog during an evacuation.
- All medication that your dog takes regularly. This is especially important for medically fragile dogs who need daily medication to manage chronic health conditions.
- Your dog’s veterinary records, including proof of rabies vaccinations
- Dog first aid kit
- Muzzle (especially if your dog is properly conditioned to wearing a muzzle)
- Extra leash, collar, and harness
- Crate or carrier
- Dog treats
- Dog toys and dog chews to engage.
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Practice Evacuating
During and after an earthquake, always follow advice from your local and state emergency response organizations. The American Red Cross advises that in the event of an earthquake people should “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” to protect themselves. If the ground starts shaking and your dog is near you, try to keep your dog calm and next to you. In any emergency, including an earthquake, you may need to quickly gather your dog and leave your home. Teach your dog to come when called, and practice in different areas of your house. This will allow you to quickly get your dog wherever they might be in your home.
Keep one of your dog’s leashes easily accessible so you can quickly get out of the house in an emergency. Practice for an emergency by getting your dog and their to-go bag as fast as possible. You can even make it a game and time yourself for how fast you can gather them.
The post Preparing for an Earthquake: How to Help Keep Your Dog Safe appeared first on American Kennel Club.
Read more...
