Mankind has developed a close relationship with dogs for a very good reason. They have long been useful to us in many, diverse ways. Dogs played a significant role in our lives when we made the transition from nomadic foragers to house dwellers. This is why we care what happens to dogs post-collapse.
There is now a very strong bond between man and his best friend. In this article, we will discuss what happens to dogs in a post-collapse situation, such as in Venezuela. Further, we will cover how to deal with such an event.
We may or may not ever have to deal with a post-collapse situation. But, if we do, we need to be prepared to take care of our canine companions.
What happens to dogs post-collapse?
Some dogs will survive by running away to live another day. Others, by being the smartest or toughest dog on the block. Regardless of how they do it, some dogs will survive on their own. Eventually, some will revert to a more feral level and form into packs.
Feral dogs may be those that have never had interactions with humans. Or, they may be pets that have reverted to survival mode and depend upon instinct to stay alive. Dogs that have never had to hunt or fight to survive will be at a disadvantage. This is even more true if they are small, very young or old or ill.
The stronger, less brave (or smarter) animals will survive what comes either by brute force or by running away. Thankfully, once having been part of a human family, dogs wish to do so again. This will make it easier for them to join a new family if they can find one to take them in.
Humans may wish to have a dog for companionship and for protection. However, they may or may not be able to provide for their needs. They will feed their children before allowing themselves the luxury of taking in a new dog.
This is even more true in a post-collapse situation. If having a dog is important to you, then you need to actively prepare to be able to provide for them should a collapse occur.
What if you must evacuate with dogs post-collapse?
You should have plans for both sheltering in place and for evacuation, should it become necessary. Leaving behind a furry family member is hard to imagine, isn’t it? Can you even think about how devastating such a scenario would be for both the humans and the dog?
Many families simply do not have a vehicle capable of carrying the family and the dog as well as the necessary items for survival. Being able to leave them behind with others is not always an option.
It is something best not left to the last minute to address. Having to drive away, looking in your rearview mirror as your dog tries to follow you down the drive, is what nightmares are made of, right?
Certainly, if unable to take your furry family member with you, leaving them with someone you trust is better than other options. There is the hope of seeing them again in the future. Be sure to have food, water, medications, toys, crates, etc. to leave with the Good Samaritans taking your dog into their home.
It is best to think these challenges through when life is calm and you have time to work out all the details. When you only have a very small window of opportunity to escape whatever condition is threatening your family, you are liable to make bad choices.
A well thought out plan detailing everything that must be taken when you evacuate is critical. The plan should include
- what goes,
- who takes it
- where it fits in the vehicle.
- A few evacuation drills help the family see what works and what does not. Sometimes, even knowing what order items are placed in the vehicle makes a huge difference. Everything in the plan must have a place in the vehicle. Every task should be assigned to a responsible person.
Every family member, furry or not, must come quickly when called to evacuate.
This is an absolute must. A delay in the time of the evacuation could have serious consequences for the entire family. Have a special signal for emergencies only. Both human and canine family members can learn to come running to the chosen signal. Ultrasonic whistles are not a good choice for dogs in this situation.
Regular practice to come when called, in general, is a good idea. However, if you do go to the effort to teach dogs and kids a specific signal for emergencies, it is critical that it be reinforced periodically. Your local dog trainers may be able to help you choose the best option for your specific dog.
Here is a good article for learning to teach your dog to come faithfully. https://excellentdogsclub.com/how-to-teach-your-dog-to-come/
Whether man or beast, if they require medication, it cannot be left behind. If it must be kept cool, make sure it is in a well-identified, small, plastic container. The designated person should quickly remove it from its place in the fridge, place it in a thermal bag. It should have an assigned place in the evacuation vehicle.
Bringing along a favorite toy or blanket goes a long way to keep your beloved friend calm in an anxious situation. Bringing along the food and water to which their GI system is accustomed may help prevent vomiting and diarrhea. I highly recommend making room for these two items if at all possible. Later, you can transition to different products if necessary.
Be sure to include your dog in your evacuation plan if at all possible in a post-collapse situation.
Including your dogs in your evacuation plan helps to give you peace of mind. It is easier to forget the house and the many items you must leave behind when your dog is with you. The bond between the human and canine members of the family is quite strong. The love your dog gives you will make up for many of the tangible objects you could not take with you.
A few things to keep your dog safer.
Many dog owners already have a microchip inserted in their dog. This may help you find your dog should you become separated. However, as the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
It is strongly suggested that you use some kind of harness anytime you are taking your dog out of a known environment. Use double-sided tape to attach a zip bag with their harness and belt inside the roof of his crate. Air circulation will not be blocked and the harness will be readily available if needed.
Several bags for waste will be necessary. I suggest having an additional pouch inside the zip bag with some wet towels in case emergency cleaning becomes required. Sleeping pills or tranquilizers prescribed by your vet for emergencies may be needed. If your dog is prone to motion sickness, be prepared with proper medication. You may wish to treat in advance of emergency travel.
Dogs pick up on our stress and they may become agitated. A designated member of the family should endeavor to keep the dog as calm and relaxed as possible. This will help keep the driver from becoming even more stressed out in an unnatural and, potentially, hazardous situations.
There are some similarities to what happens to dogs in a post-collapse situation and in natural disasters. However, in the post-collapse situations, it is often more dire and long term. Sometimes, people are hungry enough to actually have to eat dogs, cats, and even rodents to survive.