Tips For Pet Owners: How To Prepare Your Furry Pal For A Hurricane

for individuals residing in the southeast, this also signifies the arrival of hurricane season. It is evident that with the increase in average temperatures, hurricanes are becoming more powerful and occurring more frequently. One positive aspect of hurricanes is that, unlike earthquakes and tornadoes, there is ample time to prepare. It’s crucial to have certain things sorted out in advance before that ominous blob appears on the weather report. Discover valuable tips for pet owners in this informative article provided by a local Carteret County, NC vet.

Be Proactive With Your Pet’s Veterinary Care

It is important to ensure that your pets receive regular preventative care, including vaccines and parasite control. Keeping your furry friend protected from dangerous parasites and diseases is not only easier but also more cost-effective than treating them.

There are some things to keep in mind with hurricanes. Floods disrupt the habitats of wild animals, some of which may pose a risk due to the potential transmission of diseases. Damp conditions create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitos, which, as you may know, transmit heartworm, a highly dangerous parasite that poses a serious threat to your beloved pet. In addition, your furry pal might interact with other animals in a shelter or hotel, increasing the risk of potential infestations or infection.

Aside from that, the paperwork end also becomes important in emergencies. Documentation of pets’ vaccination and preventative care is often required by many shelters and pet-friendly hotels. This is not something you want to realize when you find yourself in the cone of doom.

As far as parasite control, there is a wide range of products available for flea and tick prevention, such as pills, topical drops, sprays, and collars. Consult with your veterinarian to discuss the available options and determine the best course of action for your situation. It is important to only buy these products from a veterinary clinic or an approved retail store or site that requires a prescription. It’s important to exercise caution when shopping at box stores, flea markets, and similar places, as you may come across products at lower prices. There is a possibility that some of these could be imitations. Regrettably, there have been instances where pets have become severely ill or even passed due to the use of certain low-end brands for treatment. Consult your Carteret County, NC veterinarian for guidance.

Prepare a Bag for Travel

Having a bag prepared for your pet is essential, not only for hurricanes but also for travel, camping, and other unexpected emergencies. It is important to take action well in advance of any potential storms.

Below is a list of items to bring:

•  Food
•  Water
• Medications for your pet
•  Supplements
•  Treats
•  Toys
•  Dishes: (Collapsible dishes are a great choice due to their lightweight design.)
•  Extra leash
•  Extra collar
•  Tie-line
•  Towels
•  Blankets
•  First-Aid Kit for Pets
•  Cat litter and litter boxes (Kitties)
•  A muzzle (Pups)
•  Lifejacket for dogs
•  Wipes

If you have a pocket pet, bird, or reptile, it is important to customize your pack to meet your pet’s specific requirements. Remember to regularly check and refresh perishable items like food, treats, and medications.

Documentation Preparation

It’s also important to have your furry pal’s paperwork prepared. As stated earlier, shelters typically ask for documentation showing that a pet’s vaccinations are current. Consider getting pictures of the paperwork and securely storing it online, either by emailing it to yourself or utilizing cloud storage, for convenient access from any location. Obviously, that won’t be effective if cell towers aren’t functioning. It would be advisable to have physical copies with you as well. Keep them in your glove compartment for easy access.

In terms of documentation, we recommend printing a list of shelters and hotels that are pet-friendly and within a reasonable driving distance. It would be helpful to take note of details such as weight limits, fees, and any other restrictions. This will certainly save you a significant amount of time in case you ever need to evacuate.

We would also suggest getting a pet first-aid brochure or printout. If your pet is ever injured, you would of course need to seek immediate veterinary care. However, there may be instances where you need to administer first aid before your pet can be transported to a professional pet urgent care center. In addition, it’s important to note that numerous clinics could potentially be closed during a significant weather event. Having the information readily available is always preferable to being caught off guard without it.

Downloading an app is also an option. The Red Cross has an excellent one. Nevertheless, in the event of a disruption in cell service, the app may experience functionality issues. It’s important to also have some physical copies of information. Just keep in mind that these may not work if a storm knocks out cell towers.

Choose A Carrier

Traveling in crates is always a safer option for pets. This will not only prevent your pet from moving around in the car, but it also offers additional protection in case of accidents. If you’re evacuating, it also enables you to securely confine your beloved pet in a designated space.

If your furry friend hasn’t been introduced to crate training, we suggest considering it. It is important for Fido to feel at ease with his crate, even if you don’t intend for him to sleep in it every night. Make sure to include comfortable bedding and a selection of toys to create a cozy environment. Put your information on the carrier as well. You can do this with a baggage tag. Alternatively, you could utilize a mailing label. Apply clear tape to make it waterproof.

Make Sure That Your Pet’s Id Is Always Up To Date

It is not uncommon to hear  heartbreaking accounts of pets going missing in the aftermath of hurricanes. Although some shelters have started to accept pets, It is not a universally accepted practice. Regrettably, it is not unusual for pets to be abandoned or flee out of fear. It is crucial to ensure that your beloved pet has current identification tags.

It is crucial to have your furry companion microchipped. Collars and tags may become detached or be intentionally removed, but microchips offer a permanent solution. Please make sure to keep your information up to date in the chipmaker’s database, and verify that your contact details are accurate and current. (Hint: Give the Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool here a try to check.)

Additionally, it may be worth considering getting a GPS tag for your pet. There are options available specifically designed for pets, as well as alternatives like an air tag or similar device. Take a moment to review the various options available before making a purchase. It’s important to consider factors such as range, water resistance, battery life, and subscription fees.

Education

This one is for the dog owners. It’s important to teach Fido basic doggy obedience commands like Sit, Stay, and Come if he doesn’t already know them. This can help prevent your dog from wandering away or getting too close to a hazardous location. If your pooch hasn’t finished his petucation yet, take time to teach him.

Schedule an Appointment at Our Carteret County, NC Pet Clinic

Does your furry friend need an appointment? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. as your local Carteret County, NC pet hospital, we’re here for you!