4 min read • By Wyatt West, Timberdog® Staff Writer & Adventure Fiend
If you’ve ever watched your dog spin in circles before lying down, you know they’re creatures of instinct. But when it comes to modern emergencies—wildfires, storms, power outages, or even just being snowed in—those instincts won’t pack the food, grab the meds, or remember their favorite squeaky toy. That’s on us.
Most of us have a stash of batteries, canned food, or toilet paper tucked away “just in case.” But have you ever stopped to think about your dog’s needs during an emergency? If you’re serious about being ready for anything, your pup deserves their own stockpile of supplies. Because let’s face it: you’ll never forgive yourself if you’ve got five flashlights but no dog food.
So let’s break down what it means to stockpile for your dog in a way that’s practical, thorough, and a little fun.
Start with the basics: food and water
Your dog’s stomach doesn’t care if there’s a hurricane outside—it just knows when it’s dinner time. Keep at least two weeks’ worth of their regular food on hand, ideally rotated every couple of months so it stays fresh. If you feed canned food, don’t forget a manual can opener (the one time you’ll be grateful for your opposable thumbs).
Water is even more critical. Dogs can’t ration themselves, and dehydration can set in faster than you think. A good rule of thumb: one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. For a 50-pound dog, that’s more than three gallons just for a week. Store water separately for your pup, so you’re not stuck deciding who gets the last bottle—you or them.
Medications and first aid
If your dog takes daily medication, keep at least a two-week backup supply. Ask your vet about an “emergency prescription” if possible. Stockpile flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, too—emergencies don’t stop parasites from doing their thing.
A dog-specific first aid kit is a must. Think gauze, antiseptic wipes, tweezers for splinters or ticks, and a styptic powder for nail bleeds. Add in a spare leash, muzzle (yes, even the sweetest dogs can panic when injured), and copies of your dog’s medical records sealed in a waterproof pouch.
Comfort items matter more than you think
Emergencies are stressful—for you and your dog. A favorite toy, a familiar blanket, or a bed that smells like home can make all the difference when the world outside feels upside down. Dogs lean hard on routine and scent, so keeping those familiar smells and textures around can calm them in ways no amount of soothing words can.
Pro tip: rotate these comfort items occasionally so they don’t just sit in storage smelling like the back of your closet.
Travel and containment gear
Let’s say you have to evacuate in a hurry. You’ll want a sturdy, TSA-approved crate or carrier ready to go. If your dog’s too big for a carrier, invest in a harness that doubles as a car restraint. Don’t rely on grabbing whatever leash you can find by the door—have a dedicated one in your emergency kit, preferably reflective and durable.
Collapsible food and water bowls are lifesavers when you’re on the move, and they take up almost no space. Bonus points for adding a couple of poop bags (okay, more than a couple—you know your dog).
ID and documentation
Your dog should always wear an ID tag with your contact info, but in emergencies, backup is everything. Microchips should be up to date with your current phone number. Keep a printed medical ID card in your emergency kit listing your dog’s name, age, weight, microchip number, vaccinations, allergies, and any medical needs. Laminate it so it survives a spilled water bottle or a rainy day.
Think of it this way: if you get separated, that card could be the bridge between your pup and a safe return.
The often-overlooked extras
There are a few things people forget until they’re in the middle of chaos. Towels are handy for drying off a wet dog or creating makeshift bedding. A headlamp lets you keep your hands free during late-night potty breaks. Extra batteries and a portable phone charger keep you connected when the power’s out. And don’t underestimate duct tape—it’s as useful for patching gear as it is for securing a broken crate latch.
For multi-dog households, keep individual kits. Emergencies aren’t the time to realize you only packed one water bowl for three thirsty pups.
Storage and rotation
Stockpiling doesn’t mean tossing things in a bag and forgetting about them. Store your dog’s emergency kit in a waterproof bin or backpack, clearly labeled, and keep it somewhere you can grab quickly. Rotate food, medications, and treats every few months so nothing goes stale or expired. Think of it as your excuse to do a quarterly “dog gear audit.”
Practice makes perfect
Here’s the thing about emergencies: they don’t send a save-the-date card. Practice using your dog’s gear ahead of time. Let them eat from the collapsible bowls, sleep in the crate, or wear the car harness. That way, when the real deal comes, your dog won’t be adjusting to new gear on top of everything else.
Why it all matters
Stockpiling for your dog isn’t about paranoia. It’s about responsibility. You’ve brought this amazing creature into your life, and they trust you completely. When the lights go out, the wind howls, or the road ahead looks uncertain, your dog will look to you for reassurance. And nothing reassures quite like having what you need, when you need it, already packed and ready.
So build that emergency kit. Rotate it, practice with it, and know that you’re giving your dog the best chance to stay safe, healthy, and calm no matter what comes your way. After all, they can’t pack for themselves. But they’ll be endlessly grateful you did.
Photo credit: Arijit