Summer is in full swing. Unfortunately for those of us in the southeast, that also means it’s hurricane season. As you may have noticed, hurricanes are becoming both stronger and more frequent as average temperatures rise. There is one bright note when it comes to hurricanes, and that is the fact that, unlike with earthquakes and tornadoes, you have time to prepare. This is one situation where it’s definitely better to have some things squared away well before that ominous blob pops up on the weather report. A local Dahlonega, GA vet offers some tips for pet owners in this article.
Stay On Top Of Preventative Care
We always recommend that people keep their pets current on preventative care, such as vaccines and parasite control, just as a matter of proper pet care. It’s much easier—not to mention more cost-effective–to keep your furry friend protected from dangerous parasites and diseases than it is to treat them.
When it comes to hurricanes, a few things come into play here. For one thing, the extra water may displace wild animals, some of which may be carrying dangerous diseases. Wet conditions also become a perfect breeding environment for mosquitos. As you may know, mosquitos are the carriers of heartworm, an extremely dangerous parasite that can be deadly to your furry friend. On top of that, Fido may also come into contact with other dogs in a shelter or hotel, which may expose him to potential infestations.
There’s also something else to consider, aside from the main point of protecting your beloved pet from harm. Many shelters and pet-friendly hotels require documentation that pets are up to date on vaccinations and preventative care. You definitely don’t want to be turned away because you forgot to schedule that appointment!
As far as products, there are quite a few to choose from, including pills, topical drops, sprays, and collars for flea/tick prevention. Talk to your vet about the options to determine what is best for you. Just be sure to only purchase these products through a veterinary clinic or an approved retail store or site, which would require a prescription. You may find products at discounted prices at box stores, flea markets, and such, but be careful. Many of these may be knock-offs. Unfortunately, there have been cases of pets getting very sick—and even dying—after being treated with some low-end brands. Ask your Dahlonega, GA vet for advice.
Pack A To-Go Bag
It’s always a good idea to have a bag prepared for your pet, not just for hurricanes, but for travel, camping, and any other emergency situations that could pop up. This is something that you can—and should—do long before any storms actually threaten.
Here’s a list of what to bring:
- Food
- Your pet’s medications
- Supplements
- Bottled Water
- Dishes: Collapsible dishes are a good option, as they are lightweight.
- Spare leash
- Spare collar
- Tie-line
- Towels
- Blankets
- Treats
- Toys
- Pet First-Aid Kit
- Litterbox and litter (cats)
- Muzzle (dogs)
- Doggy lifejacket
- Wipes
If you have a pocket pet, bird, or reptile, you’ll of course need to tailor your pack to suit your pet’s needs. Be sure to cycle through and update perishable products, such as food, treats, and medications. That way, if your bag sits unused for a few years, you won’t have to discard or replace anything. Ask your Dahlonega, GA vet for recommendations.
Prepare Documentation
You’ll also want to get some of your furry pal’s paperwork ready to go. As mentioned above, shelters often require proof that a pet has been kept up to date on their vaccinations. One thing you may want to do is take photos of this paperwork, and then either email it to yourself or keep it in the cloud, so you can access it from anywhere. Of course, that won’t work if cell towers aren’t functioning. We would also recommend that you keep hard copies on you. Store them in your glove compartment, so you always have them on hand.
As far as documentation goes, we would also suggest that you print a list of pet-friendly shelters and hotels within a few hours’ drive. You may also want to make a note of things like weight limits, fees, and any other restrictions. This can definitely save you tons of time if you ever need to evacuate.
We would also suggest that you get a pet first-aid brochure or printout. While you should of course seek immediate veterinary care if your pet is ever hurt, you may need to perform first aid yourself before your animal friend can be transported. Plus, many clinics may be closed during a major weather event. It’s definitely better to have the information and not need it than to need it and not have it.
You can download an app as well. The Red Cross has a great one. However, if cell service is disrupted, the app won’t work properly. It’s best to have some hard copy information as well.
Get A Carrier
It’s always safer for pets to travel in crates. Not only will this keep your pet from moving around in the car, it provides extra protection from accidents. If you’re evacuating, it also allows you to keep your furry friend safely confined in a specific area.
If your canine pal isn’t crate-trained, we would recommend doing that. Even if you don’t want Fido to sleep in his crate every night, he should be comfortable with it. Be sure to add comfy bedding and a few toys to make it comfy. You’ll also want to put your information on the carrier. You can use a luggage tag for this. Or, use a mailing label. Put clear tape on it to make it waterproof.
Keep Your Pet’s ID Up To Date
There are often many reports of pets getting lost after hurricanes. While many shelters now accept pets, this isn’t universal. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for pets to be left behind, or just bolt out of terror. Making sure your furry pal has up-to-date ID tags is very important.
We also can’t understate the importance of having your furry pal microchipped. Collars and tags can fall or be cut off, but microchips are permanent. Be sure to update your information in the chipmaker’s database, and ensure that your contact information is current and correct. (Tip: you can try using the Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool here to check.)
Another thing you may want to consider is getting your pet a GPS tag. You can get ones made just for pets, but you can also get an air tag or something similar. Just look over the different offerings before purchasing one. You’ll want to look at things like range, water resistance, battery life, and, of course, subscription fees.
Training
This one is mostly for people with dogs, of course. If Fido doesn’t know basic doggy obedience commands, such as Sit, Stay, and Come, take the time to teach him. This can keep your pooch from running off or approaching a dangerous area.
Make An Appointment At Your Dahlonega, GA Pet Clinic
Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Is your furry friend due for an appointment? Please feel free to contact us anytime. As your local Dahlonega, GA pet hospital, we are here to help!
