For those of us in the Southeast, summer means sweltering heat, thunderstorms, and, of course, hurricane season. We Floridians are certainly no strangers to huge storms. As average temperatures rise, hurricanes will continue to become stronger and more common. One good thing about getting hurricanes instead of earthquakes or tornados is that there is at least time to prepare. That means getting your pet ready as well! It is definitely much better to have things in order before that dreaded blob appears on the weather forecast. This post contains storm preparation tips for pet owners from a local Longwood, FL veterinarian.
Update Your Pet’s ID
There are always heartbreaking reports of pets going missing after hurricanes. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for pets to be abandoned during calamities. While many shelters now accept pets, it is not a universal protocol. Pets are also very prone to bolting out of fear in a bad storm.
If you and your animal companion were to get separated, having proper identification on your furry friend could make all the difference. In fact, that ID may be the only thing linking you and your pet together!
Make sure that your pet’s ID tags are current. We also cannot overstress the importance of getting your pet microchipped. Unlike collars and tags, which may be removed or fall off, microchips are permanent. They also hold up in courts of law. Be sure to check and, if needed, update your information in the chipmaker’s database. This is definitely something you can do well in advance of a coming storm. (Tip: To check, use the Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool, which is available here.)
Another alternative is to get your pet a GPS tag. You can also get an air tag or something similar. Just look over the various options before you make a purchase. Check things like range, water resistance, battery life, and subscription fees.
Bear in mind that Wi-Fi may not function properly after a strong storm. Tags that use satellite signals may be pricier, but they are also going to be more reliable in or after bad conditions.
Maintain Proper Preventive Care
As a general rule, we always advise clients to keep their furry friends current on preventative measures, such as vaccinations and flea and tick treatments. Preventing your pet from dangerous parasites and illnesses is far easier—not to mention much less expensive—than treating them.
This becomes important for a few reasons during storms. For starters, floods may displace wildlife, some of which may transmit dangerous illnesses. Wet conditions also create perfect breeding habitats for mosquitos. Mosquitoes, as you may be aware, carry heartworm, a deadly parasite that can be deadly to our four-legged friends.
Pets may also be exposed to harmful parasites or diseases in hotels or shelters. Keep in mind that your pet doesn’t even necessarily have to have direct contact with an infected animal. In some cases, viruses can be transmitted via contaminated surfaces. (Or, in the case of heartworm, by mosquito.)
Aside from the obvious goal of protecting your beloved pet from dangerous parasites and infections, there is another consideration here. Many animal shelters and pet-friendly hotels require confirmation that pets have had all essential vaccines and preventive treatments. You do not want to be turned away because you forgot to make an appointment!
As far as parasite prevention, there are several flea and tick prevention options, including tablets, topical treatments, sprays, and collars. Talk to your veterinarian about your options to determine which is best for you. Always purchase these items from a veterinarian’s office, an approved retail shop, or a website that requires a prescription. You might find discounted products at box shops, flea markets, and other locations, but use care. Many of these are lower-quality products. Unfortunately, there have been cases of pets becoming seriously ill—and even dying—after being treated with some low-cost brands. Ask your Longwood, FL veterinarian for specific recommendations.
Pack a to-go bag
It is always a good idea to prepare a pack for your pet, not just for storms but also for vacations, camping, travel, and any other unforeseen scenarios that may happen. This is something you can—and should—do well before the storms arrive.
You’ll want to include your furry pal’s food, water, medication, supplements, dishes, towels, blankets, and a spare leash and collar or harness. We would also suggest bringing some treats, wipes, a few comfort toys, and collapsible dishes. Bottled water is a must as well. A pet-first aid kit is also a great addition, as is a doggy life jacket.
Some of the things on your packing list will vary according to the sort of pet you have. Dogs will need a tie-line. You should also include a muzzle for Fido. (You may not like it, but if shelters require it, it’s a small concession to make.) Kitties will of course need a litterbox and litter. If you have a pocket pet, bird, exotic, or reptile, you will need to tailor your bag to their individual requirements. Make sure to check and replace perishable items such as food, snacks, and prescriptions regularly.
Pet Paperwork
As previously noted, hotels and shelters frequently want proof that a pet is up to date on immunizations. Have your pet’s documentation ready as well. You can take pictures of this material and email them to yourself or upload them to the cloud so you can view and access them from anywhere. Of course, this won’t work if cell towers are down. We also suggest keeping physical copies with you. Our advice? Keep copies in your glove compartment so you always have them handy.
Speaking of paperwork, we suggest making a list of pet-friendly shelters and motels within a few hours’ travel. You should also make notes of things like weight limitations, fees, and other pertinent info. If you ever need to evacuate, having that ready in advance can save you a lot of time.
We also recommend getting a pet first-aid pamphlet or printout. While you should of course immediately seek emergency veterinarian treatment if your pet is injured, you may need to administer first aid yourself before transporting them. Plus, most clinics will be closed during a major weather event. You may also have floods, downed trees, and other obstacles and blockages to deal with. It is definitely much better to have the information on hand and not need it than to need it and not have it!
Get A Great Travel Crate Or Carrier
Crates are always a safer alternative for pets while traveling. This will not only prevent your furry bestie from roaming about the car, it will also give them extra protection in case of an accident.
If your dog hasn’t previously been crate-trained, we recommend that you start working on that now. Fido should be able to sleep comfortably in his kennel, even if you aren’t wanting him to do so every night. Add some soft bedding and toys to make it cozy. You should also put your details on the carrier. luggage tags work well for this. Alternatively, you might use a mailing label. Use transparent tape on top of it to make it waterproof.
Work On Fido’s Training
Obviously, this one is mostly intended for people who own dogs. If Fido does not know basic dog behavior commands such as Sit, Stay, and Come, take the time to educate him. This can keep your canine buddy from running away or entering a dangerous area. Work on one command at a time. Make sure your cute student knows how to do the current order well before going on to the next.
Schedule an Appointment With Your Longwood, FL Pet Clinic
Do you have any questions concerning your pet’s health or care? Is it time for your animal companion to visit the veterinarian? Please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time. As your Longwood, Fl pet hospital, we are here to assist!
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