Dog Food Storage

What kind of dog food storage bin is best if a disaster occurs? With all of the hurricanes and storms we are having it is important to select a proper storage container.

When preparing for any emergency, it’s important to take into account the needs of all family members, including both humans and pets. Having a proper dog food storage bin is extremely important so that your dog’s dry food does not get damaged in the event of a disaster.  It’s important to find a pet food container that will keep the food fresh while keeping out moisture and staying put in severe weather.

 

Selecting a Dog Food Storage Bin

The first thing you should consider when selecting a dog food storage

bin is what kind of severe weather you are most likely to encounter in your area.  Some parts of the world are more prone to earthquakes, while others are more liable to have tornadoes or hurricanes.  The best dog food storage containers will be able to protect against all of these, but in the case of slig ht variations among the different kinds, it’s best to consider exactly what kind of weather you are trying to

protect against.

 

Here are the features you should look for when selecting the best dog food storage bin:

• Waterproof

• Airtight

• Durable

• Heavy

Reading pet food container reviews will help you choose the best dog

food storage container by looking for these features.  You will also find it helpful to head down to your local pet store and compare each pet food container just by the feel of it.

Looking for all of these features in your dog food storage bin will ensure that Fido’s food is stored safely in the event of a disaster.

 

Optional Features of a Good Dog Food Storage Bin

As you browse the pet food container reviews, you will run across some

additional features that might be handy.  In addition to the features already mentioned, you might consider these added ones for convenience:

• Wheels

• One that is collapsible

• One that stacks

• Handles

 

The benefit of having wheels is obvious, especially if it is a very large, heavy pet food container.  Just make sure that it also has handles so that two people can pick it up and move it over wreckage if necessary.  Some containers are collapsible, which allows you to store them away when you are not facing an emergency.

Just keep in mind that if you do decide on a collapsible container, chances are you will not be ready if disaster does strike.  You have to plan ahead to be ready in an emergency, and the best way to do that is

to keep your dog food in a storage container all of the time.  Just be sure to keep that container in a place you can easily access if a storm or earthquake were to damage or destroy your home.

 

Other Reminders about your Dog Food Storage Bin

In addition to storing food for Fido, it’s also important to remember that he needs water also in the event of a disaster.  Make sure that you plan to have enough clean drinking water for everyone in your family, including your pets.  Use gallon containers to store your water in a safe place. Plan at least a quart of water for every 10 pounds your dog weighs.  Make sure at least a week’s worth of water is available for your pets.

Pet Survival Kit

The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire, tornado, or terrorist attack depends on emergency planning done today. It is the responsibility of all pet owners (survivalist or not) to properly prepare for pet survival with an emergency preparedness plan. The best pet survival kits will consist of the following:

 Short-term survival

  •  Recent pictures of your pet placed both in the pet survival kit
  •  Survival collar worn by your pet that contains the pet’s ID, name and address, phone number, rabies tag, and license
  • Your pet’s vaccination documents with proof of rabies vaccination Copies of other important medical records
  • Pet Health records
  • Mini-first aid kit with pet meds
  • An extra leash and collar
  • A pet carrier
  • Water and food bowls.
  • Two-week food supply
  •  Several gallons of clean drinking water
  • A pet waste disposal system including newspapers, cat litter, poop scoop, bleach, and plastic garbage bags
  • Grooming tools, toys, and treats

 Place all of the contents in a large bag clearly labeled and place inside the carrier. Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely. But keep in mind that animals react differently under stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed.

Long-term survival

 If you plan on storing a six-month or longer supply of pet food you need to purchase food grade buckets to store the food in.

  • Blanket
  • A good pet first-aid book
  • De-wormers
  • Pepto Bismol tablets
  • Generic Benadryl capsules — 25mg, for allergies
  • Sterile gauze rolls and pads for bandages
  • Adhesive tape
  • Ace self-adhering athletic bandage
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Over-the-counter antibiotic ointment
  • Epsom salts
  • Tweezers
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Antiseptic lotion, powder or spray
  • A Nylon leash
  • 50 feet of rope
  • Cotton balls
  • Splints and tongue depressors
  • Towels Muzzle or material to make one
  • Penlight
  • Scissors
  • Needle-nosed pliers
  • Ice pack
  • Plastic eyedropper or syringe
  • Sterile saline solution
  • Glucose paste or corn syrup
  • Styptic powder or pencil
  • Latex gloves
  • Ear-cleaning solution
  • Nail clippers

You never know what unexpected situation may arise so be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand. If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! Roughly 600,000 pets were killed or were left without a home as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Many pets lost their lives due to the immense weather, and others could not be taken into safety shelters so they were unfortunately left stranded. (www.hurricanekatrinarelief.com)