Prepping for Man’s Best Friend

by | May 30, 2019 | Preparation

Prepping for Man’s Best Friend

You’re prepared for the apocalypse, but is your dog?

Hello everyone! Rob Raskin of Las Vegas here, and today I’m going to be discussing survivalism for pets. Do you have a SHTF plan in place for your dog? If you don’t, it’s time to start putting one together and investing in supplies. Your dog is going to need gear and training in a post-apocalyptic situation, or it might not survive. Make sure your best friend is ready for anything that might come your way before it’s too late.

A 2017 study in the Swedish Journal of Scientific Reports associated dog ownership with a 33% decrease in the risk of cardiovascular disease and a lowered risk of death. That is incredible news for dog owners, but in a SHTF situation, your risk of death will change—and fast. After the collapse of society, your dog may end up more significantly and immediately connected to your survival.

There are myriad benefits to pet ownership, including support and companionship. Dogs lower your stress and increase your mood, but more than that, they’ll defend you. It is your dog’s natural instinct to warn you of danger because they see you as a part of their pack. During TEOTWAWKI, your dog will literally lay its life on the line for you when the people who didn’t bother to prepare before the grid collapsed will be scrambling to take what you have.

Don’t lose your beloved pet to the elements, the terrain, or the enemy. When TEOTWAWKI is upon us, don’t leave your friend behind. Do what it takes today to make sure your whole family has what they need to survive, including the dog.

Steps You Can Take NOW to Help Your Pet Survive

Although disaster is not imminent, there are steps you can take today that will give you peace of mind if the worst should ever happen. Make sure you have a pet first aid kit handy, invest in any protective gear your dog may need to brave the elements where you are or where you’ll be going. Get a tactical dog training harness that holds gear. You’ll be glad you did!

Your dog’s ability to act in your best interests is a matter of life or death for both of you. Is your dog trained? Be honest…how well are they trained? Can you reliably count on them to follow your commands? If not, begin intensive training or hire a trainer now. Most communities have some form of affordable or even free group training classes.

Another thing you’re going to want to do ahead of time is educate yourself about safe ways to store your pet’s food, because a food and treats stockpile isn’t going to do your dog any good if it makes them sick. Make sure you have enough dry food, canned food, and treats to weather out the storm. Whatever you’ve stockpiled for you and your family, make sure you have the same for your pets.

A well-trained dog may know enough not to stray from its owner, but anything can happen. If your dog is separated from you, you’ll want it to have an ID collar. Put any identifying information someone else could use without a power grid in place to potentially return your animal to you. Your dog may be chipped, but with no electricity, who is going to be able to read it?

Last but not least, make sure to take your dog to the vet regularly, while you still can. It’s important to keep current on your pet’s shots and to stay on top of any potential problems that may arise. A crisis situation is not when you want to learn your dog has a health issue.

Your Dog’s Bug-Out Bag

You have a bug-out bag ready and on-hand just in case you need to get out in a hurry, right? Well have you ever considered that your dog needs one, too? Make sure your dog’s emergency survival kit contains the following items:

  • · Water and purification tablets
  • · Dog food packets
  • · Leash
  • · Lightsticks
  • · Thermal blankets
  • · Travel bowl
  • · First aid kit
  • · Rope

· Any protective gear that is appropriate for your area’s climate

As you do for yourself, you’ll want to keep one doggie bug-out bag in the house, and one in your car. Because you just never know, and that’s why it’s crucial to BE PREPARED.

If you don’t already have a dog you can count on, or you don’t have a dog at all, remember, when it comes to survival not all dogs are created equally. Researchers determined certain breeds offered more health benefits than others. The breeds you want to look for are scent hounds, terriers, and retrievers.

When the SHTF, where will your pets fit in? Find out with VP Prepping & Survival.

AlaskaGranny shows you how to safely stockpile food for your pet.