At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we know that emergencies rarely come with a warning. From a sudden injury or illness to unexpected severe weather, being prepared can make all the difference in keeping your pets safe and cared for. That’s why April’s Pet First Aid Awareness Month is the perfect time to talk about emergency planning—not to scare, but to empower. While we always hope you won’t have to use this information, we want you to feel ready if the unexpected happens.
This spring has already been a reminder of how quickly things can change here in West Michigan. With strong storms, power outages, fallen trees, and even structure fires reported in our area, many families—including those with pets—have been left scrambling. Let’s take this opportunity to walk through some of the most common emergency situations and how to prepare for them, so you can stay calm, collected, and ready to act when it matters most.
Handling Everyday Emergencies: Pet Injuries and Sudden Illness
Everyday emergencies are probably the most common—and the most unpredictable. Pets are curious by nature, and sometimes their curiosity leads to accidents or illness. Whether your dog swallows something they shouldn’t, or your cat suddenly starts limping, the first few minutes can feel overwhelming.
That’s where a well-stocked pet first aid kit comes in handy. It doesn’t need to be elaborate, but having basic supplies on hand can help you respond quickly and safely until you’re able to get to a veterinary hospital. Consider including:
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Gauze pads and rolls for bandaging
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Non-stick bandages or self-adhesive wrap (like Vet Wrap)
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Tweezers (for splinters or ticks)
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Digital thermometer (note: never use a glass thermometer)
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Scissors with a blunt tip
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Disposable gloves
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Antiseptic wipes or pet-safe wound cleaner
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Saline solution (for cleaning wounds or flushing eyes)
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Instant cold pack
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A towel or blanket (for restraint or warmth)
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A muzzle (even gentle pets can bite when in pain)
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Copy of your pet’s medical records and vaccination history
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Emergency contact numbers, including your primary vet and local emergency clinic
It’s also smart to store your pet’s medications in a secure, easy-to-access location if they take anything regularly. And for guidance you can access anytime, we highly recommend the Red Cross Pet First Aid App—a free, reliable resource with quick how-to videos for common emergencies.
Weathering the Storm: Preparing for Severe Weather and Power Outages
If you’ve lived in West Michigan for any length of time, you know that spring and summer storms can be intense. Thunder, lightning, high winds, and even tornado watches are not uncommon. For pets, those loud noises and sudden changes in atmosphere can be frightening—and for their owners, those conditions can create real safety concerns.
Before the next big storm rolls in, take a few minutes to double-check that your pet’s microchip registration and ID tags are up to date. Having a “go bag” packed and ready can also make a big difference if you need to leave quickly or ride out a long power outage. This bag should include:
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Several days’ worth of food and water
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Bowls (collapsible ones are great for travel)
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Any necessary medications with dosing instructions
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A leash, harness, or carrier
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Waste bags and/or litter supplies
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Comfort items like a blanket or toy
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A printed copy of medical records
If your pet is especially anxious during storms, consider creating a quiet, enclosed space away from windows and loud noises. White noise machines or calming music can help, and options like thunder shirts or vet-approved calming supplements may also provide relief. If you’re unsure whether your pet would benefit from anxiety medication during storms, we’re happy to talk it over with you.
Power outages add another layer of challenge. Use battery-operated lighting rather than candles to avoid fire risk around pets. Make sure refrigerated medications can be kept cool in a pinch, and try to maintain feeding and bathroom routines to help your pet stay grounded.
Photo from Pexels
Fire Safety and Evacuation Planning for Pets
Fires are fast-moving and often unexpected. Planning ahead is key. Make a habit of keeping exits clear and pet carriers in accessible locations. We also recommend identifying your pet’s favorite hiding spots—when scared, pets may tuck themselves into hard-to-reach places, which can waste valuable time in an emergency.
Keep a leash and/or crate near the main exit so it’s easy to grab in a rush. Assign a family member to be responsible for the pets in an evacuation, and practice with them so the process feels familiar.
Placing a pet alert sticker near your front door is another small step that can make a big difference. This notifies emergency responders that pets are inside your home and should be accounted for. If you need one, ASPCA offers them for free here, or purchase them on Amazon.
Putting It All Together: Building a Pet Emergency Plan
Preparedness is about building habits ahead of time so you don’t have to think about them in the middle of a crisis. Designate a safe space for your pet inside your home for shelter-in-place scenarios. Practice loading pets into carriers or leashing them during drills so they’re less stressed if it happens for real.
If you board your pets when traveling or use pet sitters, make sure those caregivers are aware of your emergency plan, know where supplies are kept, and have our contact information. Keep extra food, water, and medications on hand year-round, just in case supplies become temporarily unavailable.
We’re here to support you in building a plan that works for your family. Whether you need help creating an emergency kit or want to talk through storm-related anxiety, give us a call. We’re happy to help you feel more confident and better prepared.
Photo from Pexels
Final Thoughts
Emergencies are part of life—but panic doesn’t have to be. With just a little preparation, you can help ensure your pet is safe, comforted, and well cared for during unexpected events. From all of us at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we hope Pet First Aid Awareness Month is a reminder to check your supplies, update your plan, and give yourself the peace of mind that comes with being prepared.
If you have questions or want to schedule a visit to review your pet’s health, update vaccines, or discuss first aid options, we’re just a phone call away. Stay safe out there—and give your pets an extra cuddle from us this month.
