Emergency Dog Food: What To Have In a Survival Kit

Disasters are unpredictable, and the safety of our beloved canine companions is paramount during these critical times. Thankfully, preparedness goes a long way in ensuring the well-being of our furry friends. So, if you’re wondering what to put in a survival kit for your dog, you’ve come to the right place.

Today, we’re sharing our all-inclusive guide on how to prepare a survival kit for your dog in the event of an emergency. We will also conclude with essential tips on keeping your pet healthy and safe during these tumultuous times.

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Updated Identification for Your Dog

Every dog must have up-to-date identification. A sturdy collar with an identification tag that contains your dog’s name, your name, address, and contact number is vital. About 100 words should be written on this tag to maximize readability. This can be extremely helpful in identifying your pet in case you get separated during an emergency.

Another important aspect of identification is microchipping. Microchips, small electronic devices implanted under your dog’s skin, carry all the essential information about your pet and you. It’s crucial to keep this information always updated, especially when disaster strikes.

Identification of a lost dog animal with the help of the latest technology and the Internet
Image Credit: Olesya Kuznetsova, Shutterstock

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The 5 Things To Prepare a Comprehensive Disaster Kit

It’s important to remember that preparation is key to ensuring the safety of your dog during a disaster. Taking a proactive approach can give you the edge needed in a survival situation. But what exactly should you pack? Here are the steps to follow:

1. Dog Food & Water Supply

A supply of pet food enough to last for at least a week should be part of your disaster kit.

Canned Dog Food: Canned dog food is an essential component of your dog’s emergency food supply. Its long shelf life and high moisture content make it an excellent source of hydration.

Opt for high-quality canned food, rich in proteins, fats, and essential vitamins, to keep your dog healthy and energetic. Always check the expiration dates and replace them as needed to ensure freshness.

Dry Dog Food: Alongside canned food, pack a good supply of dry dog food. Its lightweight and easy-to-carry nature make it an ideal emergency food source.

Moreover, it can double as training treats during stressful times. Choose a brand that offers balanced nutrition and remember to pack it in a resealable bag to maintain freshness.

Water Supply and Purification Tablets: Water is a critical part of your dog’s survival kit. A dog requires approximately an ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. Therefore, include enough bottled water to meet your dog’s needs for at least a week.

In situations where access to clean water may be limited, water purification tablets are invaluable. They can purify water from any source, making it safe for your dog to drink.

Labradoodle eating on elevated dog feeder
Image Credit: sophiecat, Shutterstock

2. First Aid Kit

Prepare a first aid kit that includes bandages, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, a pet-safe disinfectant, and a digital thermometer. Knowledge of basic first aid procedures is also beneficial. It can make a big difference in the safety of your pet during a disaster.


3. Medication & Health Records

Include a two-week supply of any medication your dog may require. Also, keep a copy of your dog’s health records in a waterproof bag. Many shelters and boarding facilities require proof of vaccination and other health information.

Owner giving medicine in a pill to his dog
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4. Travel Crate or Carrier

A travel crate or carrier is essential in case of evacuation. The carrier should be sturdy, secure, and large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.


5. Comfort Items

Remember to pack a familiar blanket, treats, chew toys, and a leash. These items can provide comfort to your dog during stressful times and help keep them calm and occupied. If your dog tends to go through toys quickly, try to invest in indestructible ones. This is better than packing several, as it will take up less space.

boston terrier dog sleeping on a cozy blanket in the sun
Image Credit: Matthew Pranszka, Shutterstock

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Preemptive Measures: Planning Ahead for Emergencies

Preparation doesn’t end with a disaster kit. Knowing what to do when disaster strikes is equally important. Make a plan and rehearse it regularly, so when an emergency occurs, you and your pet are ready!

Buddy System

Develop a buddy system with a trusted neighbor or friend. This system comes in handy when a disaster occurs while you are away from home. Make sure they have a key to your home and are familiar with your pet.

woman sitting on the sofa and hugging and kissing her little white maltese dog in the room
Image Credit: KatMoy, Shutterstock

Safe Havens

Identify shelters, boarding facilities, animal hospitals, and pet-friendly hotels in advance. This helps to ensure a safe space for your pet during an evacuation.

Safe Spaces at Home

Depending on the nature of the disaster, evacuating might not be the best or safest option. Therefore, identify safe places at home where your pet can take refuge.

male owner hugging his dog
Image Credit: Lizardflms, Shutterstock

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Navigating the Aftermath of a Disaster

After a disaster, it’s crucial to keep your pet safe and help them readjust to their regular routine. These steps are in addition to the previous steps outlined. If you’re unable to incorporate every step, do what you can. A few is better than none at all.

Maintaining Control

In the immediate aftermath, maintain control of your pet. Don’t let them roam free, as they could get lost or injured in the altered environment. Depending on the type of disaster, this could include cutting their paws on broken glass, falling into a hole that previously wasn’t there, and so on.

dog hugging owner
Image Credit: Bogdan Sonjachnyj, Shutterstock

Readjustment

Try to get your pet back to their normal schedule as quickly as possible. This includes regular feeding times, walks, and playtime. Doing so can make a big difference in your pet’s stress levels.

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Tips for Keeping Your Pet Healthy & Safe

The safety and well-being of your pet extend beyond disaster preparedness. Here are a few tips to help keep your dog healthy and safe:

  • Regular Veterinary Checkups: Regular checkups can help detect health issues early and keep your dog’s vaccinations up-to-date.

  • Balanced Diet: A well-balanced and nutritious diet is vital to the overall health and wellness of your dog. Check with your vet for tips on feeding your pup a diet that’s tailored to its needs.

  • Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Regular exercise and mental stimulation can help keep your dog fit and reduce stress levels.

  • Regular Grooming: Regular grooming keeps your pet’s skin healthy and their coat clean. This is important for their comfort and overall health.

If you’re able to implement these tips into your emergency situation, all the better. The more you can care for your canine companion, the better chance it will have of survival.

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Conclusion

Preparing for disasters with your pet in mind can make a significant difference in ensuring their safety during tumultuous times. This comprehensive guide aims to help you know exactly what to put in a survival kit for your dog. By taking these steps, you can be assured you’re giving your dog the best chance of staying safe during a disaster.


Featured Image Credit: Tanya Dol, Shutterstock

The post Emergency Dog Food: What To Have In a Survival Kit appeared first on Pet Keen.

Do Dogs Have Periods? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

You may be familiar with the fact that female dogs are “on heat” or “in season” around twice a year, and during this time they will bleed from their vulva. But is this the same as having a period? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is no.

Dogs do not have periods the same way humans do—their cycle works a bit differently. They have a cycle known as estrus, which usually occurs every 6  months, although some breeds only have one heat cycle per year. During this heat cycle, dogs will experience hormonal changes that make them ready to mate, and this is when they experience a swollen vulva and bloody discharge.

This is not the same as menstruation. In humans, the uterus builds up a thickened lining in preparation for a potential pregnancy, over approximately 21 days. Following ovulation, if no pregnancy has occurred, this uterine lining breaks down and is expelled over a period of 3-5 days.

During canine estrus, blood flow and mucus production in the vaginal walls increases, and this is where the discharge comes from. Hormonal fluctuations may make some dogs more affectionate or more irritable during this time. Estrus is the time when they are most fertile, so they must be kept away from entire male dogs to avoid any unwanted litters. Estrus lasts, on average, around 7-9 days, but can be as short as 4-5 days, or as long as 14-21 days!

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How Long Do Female Dogs Bleed for?

Female dogs start to bleed towards the end of the first stage of their season, called proestrus. This lasts about 9 days on average, but it depends largely on the dog. Some dogs will have longer “bleeds,” while others will have shorter ones.

This bleeding can vary in amount and color, from heavy to light. Usually, the bleeding isn’t serious, though you may need to have your dog wear a diaper or enclose her in one portion of the house to prevent messes. Dogs may continue to have very light discharge after these 9 days. In total, the whole heat cycle lasts about 3 weeks, but, dogs will not usually bleed this whole time.

Dog sniffing dog in heat
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Why Do Female Dogs Bleed in Heat?

Female dogs bleed in heat due to hormonal changes that increase the blood flow to their reproductive organs. This bleeding isn’t caused by the shedding of the uterine lining like it is in humans. Instead, the increased blood flow leads to a bloody discharge.

The bleeding varies in color and amount. It may be bright red or pink. It can be light to heavy, and usually changes over the course of the cycle. As proestrus transitions into estrus, the female dog becomes receptive to mating, and the discharge usually becomes thinner and less bloody, which is when ovulation occurs.

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Do Dogs Still Bleed After Being Spayed?

Dogs no longer experience a reproductive cycle after being spayed, so they no longer bleed (or have any other symptoms). However, they may bleed a little bit directly after being spayed due to the blood left over from the surgery as it takes time for this blood to exit the body. This kind of bleeding should be minimal, though. It may last for only a few days and shouldn’t occur again.

In rare cases, dogs may get ovarian remnant syndrome. If there is any ovarian tissue left behind after being spayed, the dog may still have enough hormone production to have a heat cycle. This sort of bleeding will follow the same pattern as their normal heat cycle. In most cases of ovarian remnant syndrome, however, enough of the internal structure has been removed during surgery that there are often only external signs such as vulval swelling, and bleeding is either minimal or absent. However, if only the ovaries were removed, as is usually the case in laparoscopic spay surgery, they will not only have normal bleeding, but they may even be able to become pregnant if enough ovarian tissue remains.

If your dog ends up with this condition, they may require further surgery to remove the ovarian tissue. If your dog still has a heat cycle after being spayed, you should contact your vet as this is not normal.

Dog Spaying
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Do Dogs Notice Human Periods?

Dogs have a very keen sense of smell and can detect many scents and pheromones. Therefore, dogs can likely notice when a human is menstruating. However, we cannot know with certainty if dogs can truly detect periods, or how they may interpret them.

Dogs may react differently to the scent; some may not seem to notice it at all, while others may make a big deal out of it. Temperament differences and socialization likely play a role, and whether they are entire or spayed/neutered may also factor into their reactions. Some dogs may become very attentive or protective, others may avoid the person or even show increased signs of aggression. Some dogs may seem agitated by the scent or overly anxious.

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When Do Dogs Have Their First Heat?

Dogs get their first heat when they reach sexual maturity, which will depend on breed and size; small dogs tend to have their first season at the age of 6-7 months, while large or giant breeds may not have their first season until they are around 18 months old.

The first heat is exactly like all others, although some individuals may show more subtle external signs. Dogs can get pregnant during their first season, however, it isn’t recommended. Most dogs reach sexual maturity before they are fully grown, so it’s vital that you keep your female away from male dogs during this time

female goldendoodle puppy
Image Credit: cine-nomadic, Shutterstock

What About Spaying?

It is typically recommended that you spay your dog after her first heat. There is absolutely no evidence that dogs need to have a litter of puppies for health or socialization purposes, but there is strong evidence to show that spaying before their second season significantly reduces the risk of mammary cell tumors, and completely eliminates the risk of uterine infection (pyometra).

There is an even greater reduction of mammary cancer risk in females spayed before their first season, however, there are other health implications of spaying before they have reached sexual maturity, such as estrogen-responsive urinary incontinence.

Dogs should not be spayed whilst they are in season as the enlarged blood vessels of the reproductive tract increase the risk of hemorrhage. There may also be problems associated with interrupting the reproductive cycle whilst the hormones are in flux. Ideally, spaying should occur between 1-3 months after all signs of their season have settled, and up to 1 month before they are due to have another one.

Sometimes dogs can have a “phantom pregnancy”, which is where the hormones are behaving as though a pregnancy has occurred. Spaying during a phantom pregnancy should also be avoided to avoid causing hormonal issues.

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Final Thoughts

Dogs do not have periods as humans do. Although they bleed during their reproductive cycle, they do this for a different reason than humans. It’s simply due to the increased blood flow, not because they are shedding their uterine lining. Their bleeding levels can differ a lot. Some dogs hardly bleed at all, while others bleed a lot, which is one way that canine estrus is similar to human menstruation!

Often, the bleeding lasts for around 7 to 12 days, though this can vary a lot, as can their window of fertility.

It’s important to segregate your female from other dogs when they are in season, especially entire males. Dogs can become pregnant on their very first heat, and every cycle after that. Unless you’re planning on breeding your female, don’t leave her outside unattended during this time, and ideally spay her between her first and second season.


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The post Do Dogs Have Periods? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ appeared first on Pet Keen.