For most of us, dealing with an emergency or disaster situation is not on the forefront of our minds, especially when it comes to our pets.  However, an emergency can occur at any time on a national, local, or individual level.  Here are some tips to keep you and your pets safe in case the unexpected occurs.

An emergency preparedness kit should be kept in an easily accessible area.  It should be in a container that you can grab and take with you at a moment’s notice.  The kit should include: your pet’s medical records, a carrier for cats and small dogs, a collar and leash, a soft muzzle for dogs, printed photos of your pets in case you are separated from them, the name and number of your veterinarian, several gallons of drinking water, pet food, water and food dishes, medications, cat litter and disposable litter trays, towels, scissors, and a first-aid kit.

Copies of medical records are critical not only because of pertinent medical history; In the event that you have to evacuate your home, they will provide proof of vaccination that may be required by a hotel or emergency shelter.  Methods of restraint and/or confinement are also important and often overlooked prior to emergency situations.  Animals who are hurt or afraid are very quick to tune into their “fight or flight” response.  This may result in atypical behavior, such as running away or trying to bite.  It is very important to be aware that even the most friendly, docile pet may bite if wounded or scared, so use caution when handling them in an emergency situation, and use a muzzle if necessary.

A first aid kit is critical for both large-scale and individual emergencies.  There are many pre-packaged pet first aid kits available for purchase.  A complete list of recommended first aid kit items is available on the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org.  The American Red Cross also offers books with first aid guidelines for both dogs and cats.

In addition to having necessary supplies in an accessible location, it is important to be able to assess the basic health status of your pet. The best way to know what is abnormal for your pet, and therefore the potential severity of a pet emergency, is to know what is normal.  Practice monitoring your pet’s respiratory rate, heart rate, and temperature at home.  The normal respiratory rate for a dog or cat ranges from 15 to 60 breaths per minute.  The normal heart rate for a cat is 100 to 160 beats per minute, and for a dog is 60 to 160 beats per minute.  The normal temperature for a dog or cat is 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.  These values may vary significantly from pet to pet, so knowing what your pet’s “normals” are, and knowing how to evaluate them, will put you one step ahead should an emergency arise.

Our next “Fully Vetted” column will delve deeper into assessing your pet’s health status.