Hello everyone! Rob Raskin of Las Vegas here again. Today’s blog is for pet owners, because if you have a dog, cat, or other animal your disaster preparedness efforts will require you to take them into consideration in a survival situation, if you aren’t safe, your pet isn’t either. For many of us, our pets are a part of the family, and for others they are valuable tools and assets. Whether your pet is your lap dog or your hunting assistant, in a SHTF situation it’ll be vulnerable. And, if it isn’t a useful animal, it can also become a burden.
The number-one recommendation I can make for dog owners who are survivalist is to make sure your dog is well-trained. If you want an animal that can and will defend you, you must train it to do so. Don’t assume because your dog barks at strangers that it will be able to protect you. Some other training your dog will need is:
- Basic commands like sit, stay, and kneel
- It must know how to stay completely quiet
- It must be trained to stay with you and not to panic or run
- It must be trained to haul and carry equipment
Cat owners, the most you can expect your feline friend to protect you from is rodents. However, if you’re in an area where they are a problem and you want extra protection for your food supply, a cat can be a tremendous asset.
How to prep your pet for a disaster:
Your pet will need adequate food and water, and this amount will be determined by the animal’s size, its health, and the weather. Looking for survival storage tips for your pet’s food supply? You’ll find them here:
If you don’t already have a dog but you’re thinking of getting one, you may want to consider which breeds are best suited to survival. Let’s face it, pugs are cute, but you don’t want to have a pug with you when you’re in the wild! The following video may help you decide which breed is best for you: