From Working Breeds to Family Pets: All Dogs Need an Emergency Plan

Having an emergency plan that includes your pet is a necessity! photo: GDB

June is National Pet Preparedness Month, a time to ensure pets, service dogs, and other working dogs are included in your emergency plans. In Northern California, wildfires are a threat every summer as the temperatures rise. In addition, poor air quality can be extremely dangerous to dogs. This means having a plan for evacuation, an emergency kit for your dog, and knowing where to take them if you need to evacuate. 

At Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), we’ve developed recommendations for emergency preparedness for our program dogs, including guide dogs, K9 Buddies, breeder dogs, and puppies being raised by our volunteer puppy raisers. But every dog owner needs to have an emergency plan. Here are some tips to get you started. 

The Basics for Any Emergency 

Plan in advance where you can take your dog in the event of an evacuation and the safest routes out. Your plan should include a trusted friend, neighbor, or relative who would be willing and able to get your dog if you’re not home when an emergency hits. 

Be sure that dogs are wearing collars with identification and that they are microchipped.  Some emergency situations may trigger a dog to run away if they become frightened so you’ll want to be sure they can be identified and that your contact information is up to date. 

Create an emergency kit for your dog. Keeping a “go bag” with supplies near the door can make all the difference in an emergency. Suggested items include:

• Dog first-aid kit, including a flashlight or safety light, in case of a power outage

• 3-7 days’ worth of your dog’s regular food and water, as well as bowls.

• Disposable poop bags

• Extra harness, leash, and blanket

• Copies of emergency contacts, including your vet’s information and your dog’s vaccine records

• A two-week supply of any medicine your dog requires (remember, food and medications should be regularly replaced to keep them usable.)

• A travel crate or sturdy carrier

• Paw protection for your dog in case of broken glass, embers, etc.

• Recent photos of your dog in case you are separated

• A special toy to provide some stress relief

Finally, practice is key to ensure your emergency plan is effective when you need it. After you’ve outlined your plan, go through a few practice runs to get your dog accustomed to loading into vehicles, moving to high points in your home, or following commands specific to any emergency. If your emergency plan requires assistance from family, friends, or neighbors, make sure they are all familiar with your dog and vice versa.

Where There’s Smoke…

Whether you live in a high fire-threat zone or near an area with frequent poor air quality, you’ll need a plan to safely protect you and your dog. Wildfires and poor air quality often go together, and poor air quality can affect dogs as well as people. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is the Environmental Protection Agency’s index for reporting air quality. Once an AQI is above 151, this is considered unhealthy for everyone, including dogs.

If your air quality hits the unhealthy level:

• Keep dogs indoors as much as possible, and keep the windows shut. Use an air conditioner or air purifier, if possible.

• Shorten the time your dog is outdoors. Dogs should go out for regular relieving, but walks should be kept to a minimum. Puppies and seniors are more sensitive to poor air quality.

• Monitor your dog for signs of respiratory distress and eye inflammation. If your dog is having difficulty breathing, is coughing/sneezing excessively, is weak/lethargic, or has swelling or inflammation of the mouth, eyes, or upper airway, see a veterinarian.

• Do not use canine masks unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian.

Dog Days of Summer

While extremely high temperatures may not qualify as an emergency, it is important to keep hot weather safety in mind for your dog. Remember, hot concrete, asphalt, and even sand can burn a dog’s feet.  On a sunny 77-degree day, asphalt can reach 125 degrees. This can jump to 143 degrees in 87-degree weather.

Never leave a dog unattended in a car when temperatures rise above 70 degrees. Even when a car is parked in the shade and the windows are cracked, the temperature within a car can quickly reach intolerable and deadly temperatures for a dog.

If a dog does become overheated, move into a shaded or air-conditioned area. Apply cool damp towels to your dog’s head, neck, and chest, and soak their paws in cool (not cold) water. Let your dog drink small amounts of cool water. Excessive panting, weakness, drooling, vomiting, or bloody stool are symptoms of heat stroke in dogs. If your dog shows these signs, see a vet immediately.

Whether a dog’s job is to help you move safely and confidently through the world, herd sheep, or just cuddle up on the couch, it’s our responsibility to keep them safe and healthy. Having a solid emergency plan is an important part of that job - so make yours today.