Tips for Pet Owners to Prepare for Hurricanes

For those of us in the southeast, summer means hurricane season. Us Floridians are definitely no strangers to these monster storms. As average temperatures rise, hurricanes are growing stronger and more frequent. One advantage of hurricanes over earthquakes and tornadoes is that you have time to prepare. This is one case where it’s far preferable to get some things in order before that scary blob appears on the weather forecast. This article includes some hurricane prep advice from a local Parkland, FL veterinarian for pet owners.

Update Your Pet’s ID

There are numerous tales of pets going missing following hurricanes. While many shelters now allow pets, it is not a uniform practice. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for pets to be abandoned or run away in terror during disasters.

Identification can make a huge difference if you and your animal companion were to get separated, and may very well be the only thing connecting you and your furry pal. Make sure your pet has current ID tags. We also cannot overstate the necessity of having your pet microchipped. Collars and tags can be lost or cut off, but microchips are permanent. Update your information in the chipmaker’s database and make sure your contact information is up to date. (Tip: To check, try using the Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool here.)

Another option is to get your pet a GPS tag. You can have ones specifically designed for dogs, but you can also obtain an air tag or something similar. Simply consider the many options before making a purchase. Range, water resistance, battery life, and, of course, subscription rates will all be important considerations. Just keep in mind that products that work with Wi-Fi may not function after a severe storm.

Maintain Proper Preventative Care

As a general rule, we always tell people to keep their pets up to date on preventative care like shots and flea and tick treatments. It is considerably easier—and more cost-effective—to prevent your pet from deadly parasites and diseases than it is to treat them.

This can come into play several ways when it comes to hurricanes. For starters, flooding may displace wildlife, some of whom may carry harmful diseases. Wet circumstances provide an ideal breeding environment for mosquitos. Mosquitoes, as you may be aware, carry heartworm, a highly dangerous parasite that can kill your pet. In addition, your animal companion may come into contact with other pets in a shelter or motel, exposing him to dangerous infestations.

Aside from the basic purpose of protecting your beloved pet from harmful parasites and diseases, there is another thing to keep in mind here. Many animal shelters and pet-friendly hotels request proof that pets have received all necessary immunizations and preventative treatment. You don’t want to be turned away for forgetting an appointment!

There are numerous solutions available, including pills, topical drops, sprays, and collars for flea and tick prevention. Talk to your veterinarian about your options to discover which is best for you. Always get these products from a veterinarian clinic, an approved retail outlet, or a website that requires a prescription. You may be able to find reduced-price items at box stores, flea markets, and other places, but use caution. Many of these may be imitations. Unfortunately, there have been reports of pets becoming extremely ill—and even dying—after being treated with some low-cost brands. Ask your Parkland, FL vet for specific advice.

Pack a To-Go Bag

It is always a good idea to have a pack ready for your pet, not just for storms, but also for vacation, camping, and any other emergency scenarios that may arise. This is something you can—and should—do long before the storms arrive.

Here is a list of items to bring:

·       Food

·       Medications For Your Pet

·       Supplements

·       Dishes: (Note: Collapsible dishes are an excellent choice because they are lightweight.)

·       A Spare Leash & Collar

·       Tie-Line

·       Towels

·       Blankets

·       Treats

·       Toys

·       Pet First-Aid Kit

·       Litterbox And Litter (Cats).

·       Muzzle (Dog)

·       Dog Lifejacket

·       Wipes

If you have a pocket pet, bird, or reptile, you will need to customize your pack to meet their specific needs. Make sure to go over and update perishable things including food, treats, and medications. That way, even if your bag sits unused for a few years, you won’t have to toss or replace anything. Consult your Parkland, FL veterinarian for suggestions.

Your Pet’s Paperwork

You should also get some of your pet’s papers ready. As previously stated, hotels and shelters often require confirmation that a pet is up to date on vaccinations. You might take pictures of this material and email it to yourself or save it to the cloud so you can access it from any location. Of course, that won’t work unless cell towers are operational. We also recommended that you carry hard copies with you. Keep them in your glove compartment so you always have them on hand.

As far as documentation goes, we recommend that you print a list of pet-friendly shelters and hotels within a few hours’ travel. You should also take note of weight limits, fees, and any other restrictions. If you ever have to evacuate, this could save you a significant amount of time.

We also recommend that you obtain a pet first aid brochure or printout. While you should always seek emergency veterinarian care if your pet is injured, you may need to give first aid on your own before he or she is transferred. Furthermore, most clinics will be closed during a significant weather event. It is definitely better to have the information and not need it than to need it and not have it! You can also download an app. The Red Cross has a terrific one. However, if cell service fails, the program will not function properly. That’s one reason why it’s a good idea to have some hard copies as well.

Get A Carrier

Crates are always a safer option for pets when traveling. Not only will this keep your pet from wandering around in the car, but it will also provide additional protection against accidents. If you’re evacuating, you can also keep your animal pet safely contained in a designated area.

If your dog isn’t already crate-trained, we recommend that you start. Fido should be comfortable sleeping in his kennel, even if you don’t want him to do so every night. To make it more comfortable, add some cozy bedding and a few toys. You’ll also want to provide the carrier with your information. You can do this with a baggage tag. Alternatively, you can use a mailing label. To make it waterproof, put some clear tape over it.

Training

Of course, this is primarily for dog owners. If Fido doesn’t know fundamental doggy behavior instructions like Sit, Stay, and Come, take the time to teach him. This can prevent your dog from running off or entering a risky place. You’ll want to work on one command at a time. Make sure your adorable student has mastered his current command before moving on to the next.

Make An Appointment With Your Parkland, FL Pet Clinic

Have any queries about your pet’s health or care? Is it time for your pet to see the vet? Please do not hesitate to contact us anytime. We are your Parkland, FL pet hospital and are here to help!