5 Items for $5 or Less That Could Save Your Dog’s Life

You’ve puppy proofed your home, you have all the latest gadgets and gizmos to track your dog’s health and activities, you’ve even got security cameras installed to keep track of your dog when you’re away from home. You’re prepared for just about any emergency — and sometimes that means spending a lot of money. Thankfully, peace of mind doesn’t always have to cost an arm and a leg.

Check out this collection of 5 items for $5 or less that could save your dog’s life! As a responsible pet parent, there’s no reason not to have everything on this list.

1. “Pets Inside” Window Clings

In the event of a fire, natural disaster, or even a medical emergency at home, first responders should be quickly made aware of any pets inside the home.

These “Pets Inside” window clings should be placed facing outward on several windows or glass doors around the home, visible at all entries. The window clings can be personalized with the number and type of pets inside (dogs, cats, birds, etc.) and include space to add special instructions or contact information in the event of an emergency.

Window Hammer

Every year, thousands of dogs are trapped inside hot cars where they suffer excruciating pain, heat exhaustion, and death. Dog parents and dog lovers should all carry a small, inexpensive window hammer in their vehicle or pocketbook in the event they encounter a distressed dog.

In several states, citizens are granted the right to break a car window to rescue a dog trapped inside. (And, in those states where it’s not legally permitted, many of us are willing to accept criminal charges to save a dog from dying.) In addition to rescuing dogs from hot cars, these hammers include a seat belt cutting tool and can be a lifesaver for human passengers, too.

“My Dog is Home Alone” Wallet Card & Key Tag

What would happen to your dog if something happened to you? If your pets are home alone and you’re involved in an accident or injury that prevents you from returning or making arrangements for their care, this wallet card and key tag could be what ultimately saves your dog’s life.

First responders or emergency personnel will be able to easily identify that you have pets at home. Include contact information for a trusted friend or family member that can take care of pets until you’re able. Don’t forget to give a house key to your emergency contact, too!

Seatbelt Safety Tether

A startling 84% of dog owners admit to traveling with their dogs without using any type of safety restraint. In addition to preventing your dog from causing distracted driving, a safety restraint is the only way to keep them safe in the event of an accident, or to keep them from bolting from the car if a door is opened. A seatbelt safety tether takes only a second to clip to your dog’s harness and into the seatbelt receiver already in your car.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 5,687,000 crashes in 2013, with 1,591,000 injuries and 32,719 fatalities. There is a good chance there were pets in most of these vehicles since 34.4 million Americans drive with their pets. Over 80% of those pets were likely unrestrained, which means those pets were most likely injured, and at the very minimum, in shock.

Benadryl

Benadryl is commonly used to treat a variety of symptoms in dogs, including itching, allergies, and mild cases of anxiety or motion sickness. But, Benadryl can also save your dog’s life in certain emergencies. Pet parents should consider Benadryl a staple in their medicine cabinets and first aid kits. In the event of a snake bite, severe allergic reaction, life-threatening wasp stings, or similar anaphylactic reactions, Benadryl given immediately can mean the difference between life and death.

The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends administering 1mg of Benadryl per pound of body weight, two to three times a day when treating common allergies and itching. In the event of an emergency, contact your veterinarian for the proper dosage, as it may be 3 to 4 times the normal dose.

For emergency dosing, we recommend the Benadryl Dye-free Liqui-Gels. use a knife or safety pin to cut the capsule and squeeze medication directly into your pet’s mouth. This will allow the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream and begin working immediately. (TIP: When out on walks or while hiking, keep a blister pack of Benadryl and a safety pin in your bag!)

Remember, when it comes to your dog’s safety, prevention is worth a pound of cure. Any steps you can take – especially when they’re so affordable and easy – to prevent tragedy are well worth the effort.

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