When we need to leave the house quickly, we usually grab our phone, the keys, and maybe snacks (just me?). When an emergency happens, your dog can't just dial 9-1-1 ruff rescue and pack his own crap. In fact, your dog may actually be interested in his next treat instead of focusing on what needs to be done. Here are some tips to help you prepare a dog bag should there be an emergency.

• Pack a sack - Tailor it to your dog's needs, but usually an emergency dog bag would include at least several days worth of food and water, meds, and #2 bags.  You may include collapsible bowls (which are also handy during hiking). Isn't it handy if the bag is already packed and at the ready?

• ID - Can I see your ID? These words may haunt some of us who have been pulled over, but for this purpose having a dog ID handy is helpful to display contact information, wellness vet, specialist vet, microchip ID number, and any other critical facts. This can be on a collar tag and/or in a pouch that your dog carries on his harness routinely that also includes his rabies tag and county tag. Some people just put it all on the microchip number and expect someone to look that up to get information. It is very helpful to display it where anybody can read it or get to it. 

• Comfort - Your dog will likely pick up on your stress. It is helpful to pack your dog's blanket, pillow, and toy. Not only familiar feel, but familiar scent. 

• Documents - For that extra measure, it is helpful to keep a digital or hard copy of your dog's medical history, medications, and special care instructions. This can be achieved by attaching a thumb drive to the emergency dog bag. If hard copy, helpful to include in the dog bag but contained in large freezer bags or something similar to protect them from elements. 

There are many wonderful options out there for pet IDs. One that we particularly like for more than a decade now is the license style, similar to this. The main info on the front and the critical info on the back. I'd also like to share our tip for how we store the tag. I don't prefer tags to hit against my dog as he walks (just personal preference) so we use a dog tag silencer similar to this. Pick your color. 

Emergencies aren't a ball. But staying one paw ahead of the game by preparing an emergency dog bag tailored to your dog's needs can put you at ease. When life throws you a curveball, you are ready to fetch.