The summer season is well underway … as is hurricane season. With the increase in average temperatures, hurricanes are becoming more powerful and occurring more frequently. One positive aspect of hurricanes is that you have ample time to make necessary preparations, unlike earthquakes and tornadoes. This is a scenario where it’s important to have certain things organized well in advance of any potential weather issues. A Plano, TX vet offers some advice on hurricane preparation in this article.
Training Your Canine Pal
This particular one is primarily aimed at individuals who own dogs, naturally. It’s important to teach Fido basic doggy obedience commands like Sit, Stay, and Come. If he doesn’t already know them, take time to teach him. This can help prevent your canine buddy from running away or getting too close to a hazardous area. Ask your vet for training tips.
Prepare A Pet Emergency Bag
Having a bag ready for your pet is helpful not only for hurricanes, but also for travel, camping, and unexpected emergencies. It is highly recommended that you take this action well in advance, even before any storms pose a threat.
Here is a list of items you should bring:
- Water
- Dishes
- Leash
- Collar
- Tie-Out Line
- Food
- Medications
- Supplements
- Towels
- Blankets
- Treats
- Toys, particularly comfort toys
- First-Aid Kit
- Cat litter and litter box (Kitties)
- Dog (Dogs)
- Life Jacket or Raincoat (Dogs)
- Wipes
If you have a pocket pet, bird, or reptile, you’ll need to modify your bag to their specific needs. Remember to regularly check and refresh perishable items like food, treats, and medications. That way, you won’t need to replace or toss anything if your bag is left unused for a while. Consult with your veterinarian for suggestions.
Gather Documentation
Make sure to have all the necessary paperwork prepared for your furry friend. As stated earlier, shelters typically ask for evidence of a pet’s vaccination history. Consider taking photos of the paperwork and either emailing it to yourself or storing it in the cloud for easy access from anywhere. Of course, that won’t be effective if cell towers aren’t functioning. It would be beneficial to have physical copies with you as well. Keep them in your glove compartment for easy access whenever you need them.
It’s also not a bad idea to have a printed list of shelters and hotels that welcome pets and are located within a reasonable driving distance. Take note of things such as weight limits, fees, and any other restrictions. This will certainly save you a lot of time in case you ever need to evacuate.
We also recommend getting a pet first-aid brochure or printout. If your pet ever gets injured, seeking immediate veterinary care is of course crucial. However, there might be instances where you need to administer first aid before your furry friend can be taken to the vet. In addition, numerous clinics might stay closed during a significant weather event.
You can also download an app. The Red Cross has an excellent one. However, if cell service is disrupted, the app may not function correctly. Therefore, it’s a good idea to also have some printed information available.
Get A Good Pet Carrier
Traveling with pets in crates is a much safer option. This will not only prevent your pet from moving around in the car, but it also offers additional protection in case of accidents.
If your furry friend isn’t accustomed to being in a crate, we suggest crate training them. It’s important for Fido to feel at ease in his crate, even if you don’t plan on having him sleep in it every night. Make sure to include comfortable bedding and a selection of toys to create a cozy environment. We suggest putting your information on the carrier as well. You can use a baggage tag for this. A mailing label also works. (Tip: Apply a strip of transparent tape to make it water-resistant.)
Check That Your Furry Friend’s Identification Is Current
It is not uncommon to hear multiple reports of pets going missing in the aftermath of hurricanes. Proper identification could literally save your pet’s life if you were to get separated.
If your furry pal hasn’t been microchipped yet, we advise getting this done ASAP. Collars and tags can be detached or be intentionally removed, but microchips offer a permanent solution. Keep your information up to date in the chipmaker’s database, and double-check that your contact details are accurate and current. (Hint: Give the Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool here a try.)
Additionally, you may want to get a GPS tag for your pet. Air tags can also work. Take a moment to review the various options available before making a purchase. Look at things like range, water resistance, battery life, and subscription fees. Something that runs off satellite will be much more reliable in a storm than one that works with Wifi, as cell towers may go down under heavy winds.
Bring Your Pet To Your Plano, TX Pet Clinic Regularly
Make sure your pets receive regular preventative care, including vaccines and parasite control. This isn’t just important for hurricane preparation, but also for maintaining your furry pal’s overall health and well-being. Keeping your furry friend safe from parasites and diseases is not only easier but also more cost-effective than treating them.
When it comes to hurricanes, there are a few factors to consider. Floods may disturb the natural habitat of wild animals, some of which might be harboring harmful illnesses. Wet conditions also create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. As you likely already know, mosquitoes transmit heartworm, a very dangerous parasite that can be fatal to our animal companions. In addition, Fido and Fluffy might interact with other dogs in a shelter or hotel, increasing the risk of potential infestations and infections. In some cases, they don’t even have to have direct contact with other pets to contract parasites or diseases.
In addition to ensuring the safety of your cherished pet, there is another factor to take into account. Many shelters and pet-friendly hotels often require documentation of up-to-date vaccinations and preventative care. It would be unfortunate to be denied entry because you forgot to schedule an appointment!
When it comes to parasite prevention, there are many products available for flea and tick prevention, such as pills, topical drops, sprays, and collars. Discuss the available options with your veterinarian to determine the most suitable choice for you.
It’s important to only buy these products from a veterinary clinic or an approved retail store or site that requires a prescription. You may find products at box stores, flea markets, and similar places at discounted prices. Some of these might be counterfeit versions or bad batches. Regrettably, there have been instances where pets have become severely ill or even lost their lives as a result of being treated with certain lower-quality brands. Ask your Plano, TX vet for more information.
Schedule An Appointment At Our Plano, TX Pet Clinic
Need help with your pet’s health or care? Feel free to ask any questions you may have. Does your adorable companion need an appointment? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. As your Plano, TX pet hospital, we are here for you!
