Summer is in full swing. For those of us in the Southeast, this also means that hurricane season has begun. As average temperatures rise, hurricanes will continue to become stronger and more common. There is one bright spot when it comes to hurricanes: unlike with earthquakes and tornadoes, you have time to prepare. This is one case where it’s definitely preferable to get some things in order before that scary blob appears on the weather forecast. This article from a local Seminole, FL veterinarian features advice on getting pets ready for hurricanes.
Keep Up With Preventative Care
We always encourage keeping pets up to date on preventative care, such as vaccinations and parasite prevention, simply as part of appropriate pet care. Protecting your pet from deadly parasites and diseases is far easier—and less expensive—than treating them.
There are several factors to consider when it comes to hurricanes. For starters, the excess water may displace wild animals, some of whom may be carrying harmful diseases. Wet conditions also provide an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. As you may be aware, mosquitoes carry heartworm, a highly dangerous parasite that can be fatal to pets. Furthermore, your animal companion may come into contact with other dogs in a shelter or motel, which may perhaps expose them to infestations or disease.
Aside from the primary goal of safeguarding your cherished pet from danger, there is one more factor to consider. Many shelters and pet-friendly hotels need proof that your pet has received all necessary immunizations and preventative treatment.
There are several products available for flea/tick prevention, including pills, topical treatments, sprays, and collars. Discuss the options with your veterinarian to determine which is best for you. Just make sure you buy these products from a veterinarian clinic or an approved retail store or website that requires a prescription. Products may be available at reduced costs at box stores, flea markets, and other locations, but proceed with caution. Many of these could be knock-offs. Unfortunately, there have been reports of pets becoming extremely ill—and even dying—after being treated with some low-end brands. Consult your Seminole, FL vet for guidance.
Prepare Documentation
You’ll also want to prepare some of your pet’s papers. As previously stated, shelters frequently need confirmation that a pet has had all necessary immunizations. You may take images of this material and email it to yourself or save it to the cloud so you can access it from anywhere. Of course, this will not work if cell towers are not operational. We would suggest keeping some hard copies with you. Store them in your glove compartment so you always have them handy.
As for documentation, we recommend printing a list of pet-friendly shelters and hotels within a few hours’ travel. You might also want to keep track of weight limits, fees, and any other restrictions. This can undoubtedly save you a lot of time if you ever need to evacuate.
We’d also recommend getting a pet first-aid pamphlet or printout. While you should always seek emergency veterinary attention if your pet is injured, you may need to conduct first aid on your own before transporting your animal buddy. Furthermore, many clinics may be closed during a severe weather occurrence. It’s always better to have the information and not need it than to need it and not have it.
There are also apps available for download. The Red Cross has a fantastic one. However, if cell service is disrupted, the app will not function correctly. It is also a good idea to have some hard copy information. Keep this in or near your pet’s carrier, so everything is in one spot.
Get A Good Carrier
Crates are always a safer option for transporting pets. This not only keeps your four-legged bestie from moving around in the car, but it also gives additional protection against accidents. If you’re evacuating, you can also keep your furry pal safely confined to a specified area.
If your dog isn’t already crate-trained, we recommend addressing this as soon as possible. Even if you don’t want Fido to sleep in his kennel every night, he should be comfortable there. Make sure to include comfortable bedding and a few toys to make it cozy. You should also provide your information to the carrier. You can use a baggage tag to accomplish this. Alternatively, use a postal label. Wrap it in transparent tape to make it waterproof.
Keep Your Pet’s ID Up To Date
Sadly, tales of pets being lost following hurricanes are not uncommon. While many shelters now welcome pets, it is not universal. Unfortunately, it is fairly unusual for pets to be abandoned or just flee in fright. It’s critical to keep your pet’s ID tags up to date.
We also cannot stress enough how important it is to have your pet microchipped. Collars and tags can fall or be removed, but microchips are permanent. Update your information in the chipmaker’s database, and make sure your contact information is current and correct. (Tip: To check, use the Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool found here.)
You may also want to consider purchasing a GPS tag for your pet. There are pet-specific tags available, but you can also obtain an air tag or anything similar. Simply review the many options before making a purchase. Consider factors like range, water resistance, battery life, and, of course, membership fees, as these things can vary widely from product to product.
Training
This one is obviously geared toward folks who own dogs. You can of course try training Fluffy, but you may find your feline pal training you instead. If Fido does not understand fundamental doggy training instructions like Sit, Stay, and Come, take the time to teach him. This can help deter your dog from running away or entering a risky place. If your canine buddy hasn’t yet finished his petucation, take time to work with him.
Pack A To-Go Bag For Your Pet
It’s always a good idea to have a pack ready for your furry bestie, not just for storms, but also for vacation, camping, and any other emergency event that may arise. This is something you can and should do well in advance of any storms.
Here’s a list of things to bring:
Pet calming products may also be helpful. Ask your vet for recommendations.
If you have a pocket pet, bird, or reptile, you will need to modify your bag to meet their requirements. Make sure to rotate and update perishable items including food, treats, and meds. This way, if your furry buddy’s luggage goes unused for a while, you won’t have to toss or replace anything. Talk to your Seminole, FL vet for recommendations.
Schedule an Appointment at Your Seminole, FL Pet Clinic
Do you have a question about your pet’s health or care? Is it time for your pet’s appointment? You are welcome to contact us at any time. As your neighborhood Seminole, FL pet hospital, we’re here to help!
