Storm Ready

It’s Always Good To Be Prepared

Having a go-kit for your pet can take a bit of stress out of storm prep. The great thing about a go-kit is that you can have it prepped and ready today! Once it’s prepared you can put it aside. If a storm should roll your way then you can focus on the other things. Over the years we have picked up on a number of helpful tips to help you be prepared. The first tip is to review your kit at the start of storm season.

ESSENTIALS

Meds - For your go-kit you could invest in a two week pill box and then portion out your supply. Then just reclaim your meds at the end of the storm season.

Shot Record Copy - This should include up to date vaccinations including a Bordetella shot. The Bordetella is a voluntary vaccine but it is required by most boarding facilities, including day care. Fair warning, most of these places will want the vaccine administered at least a week before kenneling.

Dolittle’s Tip: Make sure your records have all of your veterinarian's information on them and keep your copy in a sealed baggie.

Food & Water - More than likely you will find each of these wherever you are travelling but, to be prepared, you can have a few days of food and water ready to go. How much will you need? The suggested amount of daily water for dogs and cats is 1oz per 1lb of body weight. So one gallon of water will be about a three day supply for your 45lb dog. One pound of dry dog food is usually about 4 cups. You’ll need to do the math there but as an example that same 45 pound dog will get about 2 days of food from 1 pound of food. A four pound bag should last about 8 days. We recommend having a gallon of water and a 4lb bag of food (per dog) set aside and ready for evacuation. Most dry foods have a shelf life of 12 months, so you can easily feed the stored bag at the end of storm season.

Dolittle’s Tip: Travel can be a little unnerving, even for the seasoned pup. We recommend that you upgrade their food just a little during travel. Nothing crazy, don’t swap the usual, but consider adding a little extra. An example might be to add liver powder, or some freeze dried bits. After all, doesn’t everyone like a special meal when they’re traveling?

Shake on some flavor!

THE OTHER STUFF

Let’s look at a few things that can make life a little easier. We believe that a good go-kit will have an extra of everything you use in daily life. Some examples are, a spare toy, leash, harness, treats, even an extra towel or blanket.

Toys - Consider packing your pet’s second or third favorite toy, or maybe even a new toy. Heaven forbid if you pack their favorite and then it gets lost in travel! No one needs that stress. Other great toys to pack are those that offer a few minutes of entertainment like a snuffle mat, or a kibble nibble.

Treats - As you put these items aside, think about treats that serve two purposes. We like having breath freshening treats for travel because you never know who you’re going to meet. Of course treats that offer anxiety relief can be a plus for your pet (and you too!) Also, don’t forget that everyday kibble can serve as a fine little training treat.

Grooming - Grandma will thank you if you have Fido cleaned before you go but, if there’s no time then you should have a few necessities set aside. Many shampoos are concentrates so taking a small amount to dilute will usually do the trick. Likewise pop-up wipes can save the day, and the floor from getting muddy.

Dolittle’s Tip: have a blanket that your dog has slept on once or twice. When it’s time to travel, the slept-on blanket can help ease the stress of a new place.

THE CATS

During storm season we like having a disposable litter box and a smaller bag of litter ready to go. The last thing we want to do is scramble to clean their usual box and have it ready for travel. Carriers are essential and can be set aside with vet records, spare collar with ID and a towel. As with dogs, a towel or blanket with the smells of home can really reduce travel stress.

There you have it, a few ideas to prep a go-kit in case of short travel notice. Gather as much as you can and set it aside for a month or two and then when the coast is clear you can start using the perishable items in your day to day routine.