Hurricane Tips for Pet Owners

Summer is well underway. Unfortunately, for those of us in the southeast, this also means hurricane season. 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. In this article from All About Animals Veterinary Hospital, serving the Villa Rica area, a local Carrollton, GA  veterinarian provides some advice for pet owners. 

Maintain Proper Preventive Care

We always urge that individuals keep their pets up to date on preventative treatment, such as immunizations and parasite control, just as a matter of good pet care. It is considerably easier—and more cost-effective—to protect your furry bestie from deadly parasites and diseases than it is to treat them.

This also comes into play when it comes to hurricanes. For starters, floods may displace wild animals, some of whom may carry harmful diseases or parasites. Wet circumstances provide an ideal breeding environment for mosquitos. Mosquitoes, as you may be aware, carry heartworm, a highly dangerous parasite that can prove deadly. In addition, your four-legged pal may come into contact with other dogs in a shelter or motel, exposing him to dangerous infestations.

There is another consideration. Many shelters and pet-friendly hotels want proof that pets are up to date on vaccinations and preventative treatment. You don’t want to be turned away because you forgot to make an appointment!

There are numerous solutions available, including pills, topical drops, sprays, and collars for flea and tick prevention. Consult your veterinarian about your options to discover which one works best for you. Just make sure you 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 products at box stores, flea markets, and other places, but use caution. Some 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. Consult your vet for guidance.

Pack a To-Go Bag For Your Furry Pal

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

·       Bottled water

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

·       A spare leash

·       A spare collar

·       Tie-line

·       Towels

·       Blankets and treats.

·       Toys

·       A first-aid kit for pets

·       Litterbox and litter (cats).

·       Muzzle (dog)

·       Dog life jacket

·       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. Talk to your Carrollton, GA veterinarian for suggestions.

Have Your Pet’s Paperwork On Hand

You should also get some of your pet’s papers ready. As previously stated, shelters frequently ask confirmation that a pet is up to date on vaccinations. You might take images of this material and email them 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 recommend you always carry hard copies with you. Keep them in your glove compartment so you always have them on hand. It’s definitely better to have the info and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

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 things like 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 get a pet first aid brochure or printout. Hopefully, this goes without saying, but you should always seek immediate emergency veterinarian care if your pet is injured. However, you may need to give first aid on your own before he or she is transferred. Furthermore, many clinics may close during a significant weather event. It is absolutely preferable to have the information and not need it than to need it and not have it.

It is also possible to download an app. The Red Cross has a terrific one. Just keep in mind that if cell service fails, the program will not function properly. It’s a good idea to have some hard copies as well.

Get A Good 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. Use clear tape to make it waterproof.

Update Your Pet’s Identification

Sadly, there are many 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 during storms. They are also prone to running away in terror. It is critical to ensure that your pet has current ID tags.

We simply 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 or air tag. Simply consider the many options before making a purchase. Range, water resistance, battery life, and, of course, subscription rates will all be important considerations.

Training is also very important for those who own dogs. If Fido doesn’t know fundamental doggy behavior commands like Sit, Stay, and Come, take the time to teach him. This can prevent your dog from running off or entering a risky place. Ask your Carrollton, GA vet for more information. 

Conclusion: Hurricanes can be scary and dangerous for both people and pets. We always recommend that people take time to prepare well in advance, long before a storm arrives. Having a travel bag, keeping up with your pet’s preventative care, and making sure your pet’s ID is current are a few things you can do to keep Fluffy and Fido safe.

Make An Appointment With Your Carrollton, GA 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 at any time. Contact us at All About Animals Veterinary Hospital, serving the Villa Rica area. As your neighborhood Carrollton, GA pet hospital, we are here to help!