Emergency Preparedness
1. Winter Storm Preparation for Dogs
Winter-storm supply checklist
Encourage readers to prepare enough supplies for at least several days, adjusting quantities for each dog. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommend assembling pet supplies before an emergency and keeping them together in an accessible, waterproof container.
Food and water
Several days’ supply of the dog’s regular food
Bottled water for each dog
Manual can opener, if needed
Food and water bowls
Favorite treats
Written feeding instructions for each dog
Medication and health supplies
At least a week’s supply of essential medications, when possible
Copies of vaccination and veterinary records
Veterinarian and emergency-clinic contact information
Pet first-aid kit
Towels, blankets, and pet-safe wipes
Waste bags and cleaning supplies
Identification and evacuation
Collar with a current identification tag
Backup collar and leash
Secure harness
Crate or carrier for each dog
Recent photograph of each dog
Microchip number and registry information
List of pet-friendly hotels, shelters, or nearby friends who could help
Cold-weather necessities
Warm, dry bedding
Dog coat or sweater for puppies, seniors, small dogs, or dogs with thin coats
Paw balm or protective boots
Flashlight and extra batteries
Reflective leash, collar, or safety light
Extra towels for drying wet coats and paws
Comfort and boredom control
A familiar toy or blanket
Long-lasting chews
Food puzzles
Lick mat or stuffed enrichment toy
Include a reminder to check the kit every fall, replace expired food and medication, and update identification and veterinary information.
2. Winter Power-Outage Safety
A short sidebar could cover:
Keep dogs indoors and limit outdoor trips during extreme cold.
Always use a leash during storms; familiar scents and landmarks may be obscured by snow.
Block dogs from fireplaces, space heaters, candles, and exposed cords.
Dry their paws, legs, and belly after walks.
Watch for shivering, weakness, confusion, pale gums, or unusual sleepiness and contact a veterinarian promptly.
3. Training Tip: Practice Before the Storm
Introduce a simple “Go Settle” exercise:
Place a bed or mat near the family’s main living area.
Lead the dog onto it and reward calm behavior.
Add the cue “settle.”
Gradually increase the length of time on the mat.
Practice while wearing a coat, carrying a flashlight, or moving emergency supplies.
This gives the dog a familiar job if weather, visitors, or a power outage disrupt the household.