The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30 of each year. Historically, the most active time for hurricane development is mid-August through mid-October. Here at Companion Veterinary and Urgent Care Center we gathered some important tips and recommendations to help you be prepared!
Ensure your pets have proper identification. A collar with an identification tag that includes the pet’s name and your current contact information is a must for all pets, even those that live strictly indoors!
In addition to collar make sure your pets have a microchip that is registered to you with your current contact information.
Monitor your radio or television for weather updates and instructions from local public safety officials.
Have a radio not dependent on electricity, flashlight, and extra batteries available.
Bring all pets indoors at the first sign of a potential disaster situation.
Plan out ahead of time a designated safe area in your home where you and your pets can stay during the storm that is away from windows and glass.
Have enough kennels/carriers to keep pets in same room, but separate if your pets do not get along. You should also have enough carriers to transport pets if needed.
Fight the temptation to go outside during the “eye of the storm.” There will be a brief period of calm, but at the other side of the eye, the wind speed rapidly returns to hurricane-force winds coming from the opposite direction.
Pro tip-A small, plastic kid’s pool lined with grass sod can be used as an indoor bathroom for dogs during a storm.
Have Pee pads/ litter boxes available.
Prepare an emergency kit and make sure you take it with you if move from room to room or if you have evacuate.
This kit should include:
· Food and water for your pets for at least a week stored in waterproof container.
· Store at least one gallon of water per pet.
· If you have canned food make sure you have a non-electric can opener available.
· Food and water bowls (collapsible if possible for easy transport)
· Leash and harness
· Cleaning supplies (poop scoop, plastic bags, disinfectant etc.)
· Toys, chews, and other items for comfort.
· Any necessary medications. (Including 1 month supply of flea, tick and heartworm preventative.)
· If your pet requires medication for anxiety during storms, be sure to call us at Companion Veterinary and Urgent Care Center and have your prescription filled well in advance. Make sure to give any calming medication 1-2 hours before storm comes.
· Medical and vaccine records in waterproof container. We can email or print your pet’s record at any time for you.
· A current photo of each pet in case you are separated from your pets and must provide identification to rescuers.
· First aid kit that includes bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic ointment, saline solution, isopropyl alcohol, gloves, tweezers, towel and washcloth.
If you are told to evacuate- The No. 1 instruction for pet owners is to bring your pets with you when evacuating.
Know where you are going to go ahead of time in case you have to evacuate, whether that be a relative, a friend, a shelter, or a pet friendly hotel.
Contact your local emergency management agency for information about which emergency shelters allows pets. Try to call the shelter before you go, as some pet-friendly shelters may require advance notice.
Recovery after the storm-
Survey the area inside and outside your home to identify sharp objects, dangerous materials, contaminated water, downed power lines, or other hazards.
Release cats, dogs, and other small animals indoors only.
Allow uninterrupted rest and sleep to allow animals to recover from the trauma and stress.
The disruption of routine activities can be the biggest cause of stress for your pets, so try to re-establish a normal schedule as quickly as you can.
Comfort each other. The simple act of petting and snuggling can reduce anxiety for both people and pets.
Examine your pets, if you notice any signs of stress, discomfort, or illness in your pets, contact us at Companion Veterinary and Urgent Care Center.
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