Pack A Bug-Out Bag For Your Dog Before It's Too Late

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Let’s say that S is about to hit the F, which isn’t too hard to imagine with the Russians poisoning people in Britain, a world war of tax deals is about to erupt across the globe and Trump and that North Korean guy about to get together for a you-know-what measuring competition. That’s when having a survival kit and plan is going to come in handy like never before.

Of course, you’ve no doubt imagined this kind of situation before. We all have. We’ve all thought about what would happen if a) world war broke out again, b) an invasion took place or c) a zombie apocalypse broke out. You’d grab your bug-out bag, load the car with essential supplies and make sure you have everyone that means the world to you: significant lover, spouse, kids, siblings, parents, neighbours and maybe even friends.

But what about your dog?

What about that beloved pooch that has been by your side through thick and thin? The one that has been nothing but loyal. Don’t get us wrong, we know that you love your pet as much as anything else in this world, but have you ever thought about them when preparing for a world-changing disaster? Don’t worry - you’re not alone.

Now, when disaster strikes, there is a whole bunch of reactionary thought-processes and actions that are going to take place. There is so much to do in such a short period of time. However, nothing is possible without a bug-out bag. So, without further ado, we have pulled together a list of things you need to pack in your pet's bag should an all-out doomsday scenario come about. Hopefully, it won’t but, like we said, with the clock at two minutes to midnight, you never know.

1. Saddle Up

Depending on the size of your tail-wagger, the best thing you can do is invest in a bug-out bag that’s made for a dog, something they can wear, something like a saddlebag. You’re going to have enough to carry, so get a pack that will help your pooch carry their own supplies. Not only is this going to free you up, it will ensure you have something that quickly attaches to your pups back and. Let’s be honest, when SHTF, time is going to be of the essence.

2. Favorite Foods

We should have to tell you that food is going to be one of the most essential supplies your dog will need, but it’s well worth reinforcing this fact just in case. That said, there is more to packing your dog’s food than just shoving into their saddlebag; you need to think about the weight of it, how much storage space there is and how it is all distributed. The bottom line is: you need to make sure the weight is evenly distributed between both sides or else the bag could slip off, slide around or make it hard for your dog to move freely. Our advice: take what food and snacks you have and separate them into four or six piles and then put these in ziplock bags, placing an even number on either side of the saddlebag. If your dog’s food comes in cans, we recommend you empty it all into air-tight bags to make it lighter and easier to carry or, at the very least, remember to pack a can opener.


3. H20 Go, Go, Go


After the water is all done and dusted, you need to make sure you have plenty of water packed. Once again, the trick is to distribute the weight. It’s also worth assessing how strong your dog is so that you can assess how much they can carry. To give you a little tip, we would urge you to buy a couple of Camelbak-type water carriers, which will make it lighter and more comfortable. Of course, in order for your dog to be able to eat or drink anything, you are also going to have to bring a couple of bowls, preferably collapsible ones to make sure they don’t waste too much space.


4. Live On The Leash

If an apocalypse of any kind erupts, then it doesn’t matter how calm and collected your dog might be, panic will start to fill their senses, which is why you need to have a couple of leashes packed. But don’t just buy any leash, shop today for something that won’t break; something that’s made out of climbing rope or something. Like we said, you want something that can withstand a scared dog yanking on it. The other thing that is worth mentioning is the need for an extra collar and set of tags. You don’t want to run the risk of losing or breaking the only ones you have, not in this situation. Oh, and make sure you have practised certain obedience tricks. You will need them more than ever before.

5. Medication A Must

If your dog takes any medications, and we mean any, then you need to make sure these are included in your dog’s bug-out bag. That said, you shouldn’t limit yourself to just the ones your dog takes on a regular basis. You should also bring along any that may come in handy when you are out surviving. We’re talking about flea and tick medication, dressing to assist with any wounds, and pain medication should the going get tough. It could also be worth investing in a doggy backpack in case you need to carry them at all, for whatever reason.

6. Comforting Is Key

This is a survival kit we’re talking about. It’s that bag of essentials you need to grab before you run because some disaster is coming. That means it is bound to be a pretty terrifying ordeal, even if just some of it is. As such, you need to consider these stresses and how you will keep your dog calm. Our advice: pack their favorite tidbits. Back the creature comforts that will help them stay relaxed. Dog treats, chew toys, blanket, brush, anything you can think of. This will make keeping them calm and relaxed a whole lot easier than just ssshing or whatnot.

4 Dog Breeds That'll Rescue You In A Pinch

Dogs are incredibly loyal creatures, there’s no doubt about that. We all want to be able to rely on our perfect pet pooches to come and rescue us should the need arise, and it makes sense to believe that they would. They snatch the mail out of the delivery man’s hand and they bark excitedly when the doorbell rings. It makes sense to think that the dog in the home would be the one to turn Lassie in a crisis and come to our aid. Dogs are fiercely protective of our every move, so it stands to reason that if there was a fire or something went wrong in our homes, hero doggy would come to help.

There are, however, some breeds over others that have heroism stamped through their bodies like sticks of rock. There are so many misconceptions about dog breeds out there, and while some dogs are as useful as a fish out of water, others make the list of best dogs to have around in a crisis. If your pooch isn’t on this list, don’t worry. They’re probably still really good at making you feel calm and happy.

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Newfie (Newfoundland). A Newfoundland is a beautifully large dog that looks like it was made to jump overboard when the boat capsizes and drag you to shore. With their surprisingly webbed feet, a coat that not only repels moisture, but is double layered for warmth and a tail of pure muscle for propulsion, Newfoundlands are a dog breed built for rescue. They’ve been known to jump from helicopters and rescue those in the water and it’s a miracle thing that they do!

German Shepherd. Commonly chosen as military dogs, these pups are high energy, courageous and very trainable. They are always wary with strangers, but once you’ve gained their trust they are fiercely loyal to you and your family. They’ll be right by your side in any crisis and won’t let you down.

Golden Retriever. Originally bred to, well, retrieve, these dogs are such intelligent creatures. They’ve been repeatedly bred for search and rescue missions, including those in the aftermath of 9/11. You can’t go wrong with choosing a dog who is not only playful, but amazingly warm and loyal, too.

Collie. Lassie was a Collie, and though she may be fiction, the heroism of other Collie dogs isn’t. There’s an award called Dog Hero Of The Year, and Collie’s have topped the list more than once. There are several stories in the media of Collie dogs saving the day when there’s a problem, and Timmy isn’t the only child that has been rescued by a Collie.

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In all seriousness, there are many dog breeds out there with threads of heroism woven in the very pads of their paws. Dogs of all backgrounds have plenty of heart once you get to know them, win their trust and show that you love them as much as they love you. Dogs are great in a crisis and will take a bus or a bullet for you. Treat them well.

Affording the Vet Bills: Being Prepared

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The life of a dog owner is one filled with wake-up kisses, muddy paw prints all over the house and a kind of joy and love that can only come from our furry, friendly family members. Most, if not all, dog owners would put the health of their dog well above that of their own, and as much as they may hate the vet, it is a necessary evil (evil to them, anyway) for ensuring they stay fit and full of fun.

But veterinary bills can be expensive. If you are thinking about getting a dog, or already have one, then it is essential that you can give it the best life possible, and you will need the money to care for them properly to achieve this.

PET INSURANCE

Dogs feeling under the weather can break your heart, and there are many different issues that can arise that can cost you a lot of money - even if it is worth it. Having pet insurance will ease a lot of the worry that comes with medical care for your animals when it comes to payment.

Furthermore, taking out fast loans can also aid in the process and can help you out when in a pinch. This can be helpful during a time where even the insurance may not cover the medical expenses.

ONLINE MEDS

Researching doggy medication online may help you find better deals than what you would pay at the vets. This is perfect for when the money might be tight, or there is a continual health issue with your dog.

However, as with any product bought online, it is essential that you do thorough research to ensure what you are buying is legitimate. The last thing you want is thinking you have found the deal of a lifetime only to discover that you have been taken for a ride by scammers looking to capitalise and take advantage of your love for your dog. Be vigilant.

THE RIGHT FOOD

One way to be able to afford veterinary bills is to ensure that you keep them as healthy as possible. One of the ways to do this - along with regular exercise - is to provide them with the proper food to keep them healthy. 

Keeping your dog’s diet to an adequate standard will save them from missing out on the essential food groups. Furthermore, ensuring that they keep their teeth healthy - if not exactly clean, have you ever seen a dog clean its teeth? - will help with them chewing to guarantee they do not want to food.

PREPARED

You want to give your dog the best life you possibly can and so being prepared to deal with the added costs that come with owning a dog will be essential towards making this a reality. Understanding what you need to do to prepare for the inevitable vet bills - even when it is just a check-up - will allow you to cope with any issues whenever they arise.

Furthermore, this preparation will give you better peace of mind when it comes to finding and securing treatment as you won’t feel the weight of any substantial payments. Knowing what you can afford and going forward with this will allow you and your dog to continue living in harmony and happiness.

Advanced Dog Tricks For A Disaster And Daily Life

If you are keen to ensure your dog is useful in the event of a disaster, you do need to teach it some tricks. You can start off with some simple things that all dogs should learn. This includes sit, stay, heel and come. These are the four basic commands that you need as a dog owner. It’s important to realize that these will be important, regardless of whether or not you are using your pet as a disaster dog.

As well as these, there are many more that could prove useful, both in the event of a disaster and in everyday life as a pet owner. On this guide, we’re going to look at some of the tricks that you can teach your dog, and as well as this, we will look at how they could help you as a pet owner and in the event of a disaster.

Leave It Alone

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Leave it alone is an incredibly important command to teach your dog in everyday life and in a disaster as well. Let’s start by thinking about daily life as a pet owner. You will be taking your dogs on walks, outside, perhaps even letting them off their leash. If this is the case, then you need to be careful what the dog eats while it is outside. Dogs can be drawn to droppings due to their smell, but by eating it, they can get worms or any other number of infections. They might also decide to roll in it which will lead to a nasty clean up job for you later.

Many people think dogs do this to show their owner where they’ve been, like a little souvenir stench. So, by teaching your dog to leave something alone, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and protect the health of your dog.

Getting a dog to leave something alone can be accomplished through positive reinforcement. The easiest and safest way to do this is to use a treat in a closed hand. When the treat is in the closed hand, you can hold it at a height in front of the dog where they can smell it. They will nuzzle at your hand, perhaps even using a paw to try and get it out. Use the command and wait until they obey. Eventually, they will grow tired of the game and sit down leaving the treat you are offering. At this point, you can then give them the treat that they have been opening for, repeating the process until they respond immediately to the command. It can take a little time.

Be aware that variations of this command can be useful in a variety of situations including when strangers try to give your dogs treats. It’s very difficult to get your dog to turn down a treat from a stranger because some might drop it right in front of them or hold it out. But, with training and using a family member as the stranger, you can stop them from eating the treat. That’s important because you can’t always trust strangers. Helper dogs are actually trained not to accept treats from other people because it could leave the person they are helping exposed and unprotected to criminal behavior.

Bear in mind that a person doesn’t need to be nefarious to endanger your dog with a treat. They could just give them something that they are allergic to, or that is dangerous to them. These tips are to make sure that your dog is always safe. As such, it’s always best to avoid your dog getting these types of treats.

In the event of a disaster, there could be various issues and distractions around that could injure or endangered either you or your dog if they choose to explore. For instance, there could be loose, live electrical wiring or even something on the floor that is explosive.

 

Close The Door/Pushing Objects

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In basic life situations, closing the door can stop your dog becoming a nuisance. You might just have settled down to watch TV in the lounge, shutting the door, when your dog pushes his nose against it and wanders in to be with you, leaving it wide open. Most dogs will learn to open doors naturally by themselves without any command but closing the door is another matter. You’ll have to teach that one with a sticky piece of food and a few tries at a command. You put the stick piece of food on the door and ask him to wait. Then, tell him to take the treat. When he does, and his nose touches the door, reinforce it with another treat. Repeat it until the dog looks to you after touching the door and remove the first treat keeping the second.

Now you can use the phrase shut the door or move the door, and he will respond to get the treat. You can keep doing this until the treat is no longer a necessity. Once you’ve taught a dog how to move the door, you might be able to use the same trick to get them to move items, and this could be useful in a disaster scenario.

Find An Object

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Lastly, you might want to teach them to find objects. Remember, dogs can find objects by smell and may even remember where something was. As such, they could be incredibly useful during a power outage to find an item that you need.

In general daily life, it could also be a cool trick if you’ve lost your keys or just want them to bring you your slippers. You can do this by starting with your set of keys. Add something to your keys that makes them easy for the dog to pick up like a squishy key-ring and use them as a toy, getting your dog to tug on them or fetch them. Once you have done this, you can get him to exchange the keys for a treat. After you have taught them this trick, you can then get them to pick up your keys off the ground when you have dropped them. Again, exchange the keys for a treat. Keep doing this, and eventually, you can move on to leaving the keys somewhere and asking them to find them.

Any of these tricks could be very useful in both an emergency disaster situation and everyday life. The best part though is that they’re not actually that difficult to teach.