I live alone in an apartment with my dog. I have a few friends and family nearby who know my dog and can help if needed. I want to prepare for a situation where I might not come back after leaving for groceries or something else. What can I do to make sure my dog has food and water for a few days in case of an emergency?
Right now, I leave a bag of food near the bathtub and keep a little water running in the tub. My dog usually ignores the food, though she likes it. I’m hoping that if I’m away for a few days, she can drink from the tub and eat the food. I also place extra water bowls near her feeding area. Since she’s 11 and has arthritis, getting in the tub might be tough.
I’d really appreciate any suggestions from this community. Thanks!
You could look into automatic feeders and water bowls that people use while on vacation. Many phones now have emergency contact and medical info features in case anything happens.
Jordy said:
You could look into automatic feeders and water bowls that people use while on vacation. Many phones now have emergency contact and medical info features in case anything happens.
The automatic feeders and bowls sound helpful. Thanks for the tip! I’m also subscribed to an emergency contact service, but I know it has its limits. I really appreciate your suggestion
@Weston
Consider a water fountain with a reservoir for backup in case the power goes out. I always leave a regular bowl filled with water along with the fountain.
I hope your friends or family notice if they haven’t heard from you in a day or two and come to check on you. They would probably take care of your dog then.
Sage said:
I hope your friends or family notice if they haven’t heard from you in a day or two and come to check on you. They would probably take care of your dog then.
Yes, that’s the hope. I’d like to have a backup plan just in case
@Weston
How about keeping a note in your wallet with your address and your dog’s name? It could say that your dog is alone and give instructions if anything happens to you. Maybe laminate it and keep it in your wallet, car, or work.
@Wade
Here, we have ‘In case of fire, please save my pets’ signs for doors. These let firefighters know there are pets inside. It’s a reminder for friends and family too. If your dog starts barking after a while, I’d think a sign like that would show you’re a caring pet owner, and I’d call the police. They can help get inside if needed. You could also put a sign inside with your contact info.
Make sure your emergency contacts are saved on your phone and printed out to keep near exit doors for paramedics. Also, your closest hospital should have your emergency contacts.
You should keep an unattended pet note in your wallet with your ID. Something like, ‘I have a dog at home. Please contact [name] at [phone number] to care for him.’
Fill out your emergency info on your phone to say your dog is at home and who to notify to care for him if something happens to you. Make sure that person can answer calls or return messages, has keys, and knows what to do for your dog. A card in your wallet is also a good idea. If you want to be extra safe, consider getting a medical alert bracelet that says, ‘In case of emergency contact ___.’ People might steal wallets, but basic metal jewelry is less likely to be a target.
