Why do small dogs need their own kit?
Small dogs are among the most popular pets in America. Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Pugs, and French Bulldogs are all common in American households.
Most owners assume the dog will just come along and share whatever the family has. In practice that creates a few specific problems.
What food does a small dog need in an emergency?
Portions matter more than people expect. An amount that's fine for a large dog can cause digestive upset in a small one.
Several common human foods are toxic to dogs of any size: chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol.
And small dogs are more prone to hypoglycemia, meaning dangerously low blood sugar, when a stressful day disrupts their feeding schedule. That's the risk improvised feeding creates.
The Bark Out includes food pouches portioned for small dogs, ready without preparation.
What are small dogs more vulnerable to?
Cold. Small bodies lose heat faster, which makes a reflective emergency blanket a health item rather than a comfort item.
Injury. They're more easily hurt in a chaotic environment, so a pet first aid kit sized for a small animal matters.
Noise and unfamiliar places. Familiar toys do real work on a stressed dog over several days.
Heat and smoke, if your dog is flat-faced. Pugs, French Bulldogs, and similar breeds struggle to cool themselves and are affected by smoke sooner than other dogs. Bring them indoors early when air quality drops, and never leave them in a warm car during an evacuation stop.
Where can you go with a small dog?
Here's the good news. Large dogs create real logistical problems during an evacuation. Small dogs don't.
Their size makes a car, a pet-friendly hotel, or a friend's spare room genuinely workable. Many hotels that accept pets set a weight limit, and a small dog is usually under it.
Which Bark Out kit fits?
Basic. Food and water with collapsible bowls, sanitation supplies, a first aid kit with pet first aid guidebook, a reflective emergency blanket, collar, leash, light stick, signal whistle, and comfort toys. All in a nylon bag at 6 pounds.
Deluxe. Adds a small dog carrier, blanket, rope, dog stake, and additional comfort items for longer stays away from home.
What to add yourself
- Current vaccination records. Shelters that accept pets require proof.
- A photo of you with your dog, which proves ownership if you're separated.
- Any medication, with dosing written down.
- Your vet's phone number, written down rather than only in your phone.
