Make an Emergency Plan That Includes Your Pet

Severe weather can hit without much warning, especially during the spring and summer months. In Northeast Iowa, tornadoes are prevalent April through June, with the highest number occurring in June — our region experiences a significant number of tornadoes because of geographic conditions that favor tornado formation.

Severe weather is just one of the most common emergencies pet parents should prepare for; others include house fires, evacuations, car accidents (especially during the cold and hot months of the year), medical emergencies, and even travel delays if your pet isn't with you.

First aid kit for pets

How Do Pet Parents Prepare?

The first thing pet parents should do is think through some of the most common emergency situations. Determine what you would need to leave in a hurry, and who you would need to notify.

Also, where would your pet go? Pets aren't allowed everywhere, and if you need to stay in a hotel or a public shelter, you may need to find an alternative place for your pet.

It's a great idea to have an emergency contact person for your pet, just like you would for yourself or your children — ideally a family member or friend who knows your pet well, including their medical or behavioral needs, and someone your pet is comfortable around.

Create a Pet "To Go" Kit

Here are some items you'll want to set aside for your pet in case of an emergency:

  • Food & water
  • Portable dishes
  • Litter box & litter
  • Poop bags
  • Leashes & kennel
  • Medications
  • First aid supplies

Consider adding a set of supplies to your vehicle(s) as well. It's a good idea to have a portion of your pet's food and medications written out in advance, and to label everything with your pet's information.

Extra Protection

Make sure your pet has a collar and tag on with their name and an up-to-date phone number, in case you get separated. It's also a great idea to know where the closest emergency vet is located — both where you live and where you're traveling with your pet.

Pet First Aid

Do You Know Pet First Aid?

Learn basic first aid and the signs of a medical emergency in your pet, so you're prepared before you need to be.

First Aid Tips for Pet Parents

Emergencies happen to us all — including our beloved pets. April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, and we're sharing some important tips you can use when an emergency arises. Any medical emergency should always involve a trip to the vet, but a crucial first step is making sure you're prepared before an emergency occurs — a first aid kit at home and knowing your nearest emergency vet clinic can be critical in a crisis.

Basic Signs of a Pet Emergency

You should always contact your vet if you think your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, but here are a few possible signs to watch for:

  • Breathing or airway issues, like labored breathing or panting when they're not active
  • Bleeding from wounds or orifices that doesn't stop after a few minutes (this excludes female animals in heat)
  • Gum color — pink and moist is normal; white or pale pink can signal bleeding or shock; gray or purple can indicate a lack of oxygen; tacky gums (your finger sticks) may mean dehydration
  • Straining to urinate (especially in male cats) can signal a urinary blockage
  • Vomiting soon after eating/drinking, abdominal pain or distension, or weakness/inability to stand can indicate an intestinal blockage or stomach torsion
Five First Aid Tips
  • Learn the Heimlich maneuver for your pet. There's an animal version if they're choking — instructions vary by size and species, so learn them for your specific pet before an emergency arises.
  • Create a temporary bandage for a bleeding animal. Use a clean towel or piece of clothing. White athletic tape can be used with a bandage — never use duct tape, its strong adhesive can injure your pet's skin or tear out hair.
  • If an animal is having a seizure, don't try to open their mouth. Stay close, but don't risk injury by reaching in. Most seizures last less than a few minutes, followed by a period of disorientation that can last up to two hours. It's OK to monitor them at home afterward — but if a seizure lasts more than 10–20 minutes, or relapses within a few hours, seek emergency care.
  • Call the Pet Poison Helpline if your pet has ingested a known toxin — 855-764-7661. They're located in Minnesota and open 24 hours a day, and will let you know if immediate medical attention is required. Note: this helpline includes an $85 incident fee.
  • Know when to seek immediate veterinary attention. If an animal is straining to urinate or having difficulty breathing, there is no first aid that can be done at home — seek immediate veterinary attention.
Make Your Own Pet First Aid Kit

Some important over-the-counter items to include in a first aid kit at home:

  • Adhesive bandaging, non-stick pads, and gauze
  • A bottle of sterile saline (contact solution)
  • White athletic tape
  • A thermometer — a temperature over 104° may be an emergency for a cat or dog; their normal range is 98–102°
  • Disposable latex gloves
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Towels
  • A flashlight
  • The phone number, clinic name, and address of your local emergency vet clinic
  • A dog muzzle, if your dog flails or bites when excited (train your dog to accept the muzzle before an emergency arises; never use one if a dog is having difficulty breathing or vomiting)

While HSNEI doesn't offer pet emergency care at our clinic, there are several emergency clinics in the area — ask our team if you need help finding the one nearest you.