Summertime is in full swing. Unfortunately for those of us in the Southeast, this also means that hurricane season has begun. Hurricanes are becoming stronger and more common as average temperatures rise. There is one bright spot when it comes to hurricanes: unlike with earthquakes and tornadoes, you have some time to prepare. This is one case where it’s definitely preferable to get some things in order before that scary blob appears on the weather forecast. Read on as a local Roanoke, VA veterinarian offers some storm preparation advice to pet owners.
Get Your Pet A Great Carrier
Crates are always the safest option for transporting pets. This not only keeps your pet from wandering around in the car, but it also provides more protection against accidents. If you’re evacuating, you can also keep your pet safely confined, so they don’t bump you as you’re driving.
If your dog isn’t already crate trained, we recommend seeing to that as well. Even if you don’t want Fido to sleep in his kennel every night, he should be comfortable in it. Make sure to include bedding and some toys to make it cozy. You should also put your information on the carrier. You can use a baggage tag for this. A postal label also works. Cover it in transparent tape to make it waterproof.
Keep Your Fuzzy Pal’s Identification Updated
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to hear heartbreaking tales of pets being lost following hurricanes. While many shelters now welcome pets, it is not universal. Unfortunately, it is fairly unusual for pets to be abandoned, lost in the chaos, or to just run away in fright. In some cases, the pets end up in shelters and are adopted. It’s critical to keep your pet’s ID tags up to date.
We also cannot stress enough how important it is to have your pet microchipped. Collars and tags can fall off or be removed, but microchips are permanent. Check your information in the chipmaker’s database, and make sure your contact information is current and correct. (Tip: To check, use the Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool, which can be found here.)
You may also want to consider purchasing a GPS tag for your pet. There are pet-specific tags available, but you can also get an air tag or anything similar. Just review the many options before making a purchase. Consider factors like range, water resistance, battery life, and, of course, membership fees.
Training is also important for dog owners. If Fido does not understand fundamental doggy training instructions like Sit, Stay, and Come, take the time to teach him. This can help deter your dog from running away or entering a risky place. This is also important for your canine buddy’s petiquette. Ask your Roanoke, VA vet for tips.
Stay Current With Your Pet’s Preventative Care
We always encourage people to keep their pets up to date on preventative care, such as vaccinations and parasite prevention, just as part of appropriate pet care. Protecting your pet from deadly parasites and diseases is both far easier and less expensive than treating them.
This also comes into play when it comes to hurricanes. For starters, floods may displace wild animals, who may be carrying parasites and harmful diseases. Wet conditions also provide an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. As you may be aware, mosquitoes carry heartworm, a highly dangerous parasite that can be deadly for your beloved pet. Furthermore, your furry pal may come into contact with other animals in a shelter or motel. This could expose them to infestations and contagious diseases, such as Bordetella and Parvo.
Aside from the primary goal of safeguarding your beloved animal from danger, there is one more factor to consider. Many shelters and pet-friendly hotels need proof that your pet has received all necessary immunizations and preventative treatment. You do not want to be turned away because you overlooked that appointment!
There are several products available for flea/tick prevention, including pills, topical treatments, sprays, and collars. Discuss the options with your veterinarian to determine which is best for you. Just make sure you buy these products from a veterinarian clinic or an approved retail store or website that requires a prescription.
You may find these products at reduced costs at box stores, flea markets, and other locations, but proceed with caution. Many of these are knock-offs, while others may just be lower quality. Unfortunately, there have been reports of pets becoming extremely ill—and even dying—after being treated with some low-end brands. Consult your vet for guidance.
Have A Pet Emergency Bag Prepared
It’s always a good idea to have a pack ready for your pet, not just for storms, but also for travel, camping, and any other emergency event that may arise. This is something you can and should do well in advance of any storms.
Here’s a list of things to have ready:
- Food
- Medication
- Supplements
- Bottled water
- Dishes
- Spare leash
- Spare collar
- Tie-line
- Towels
- Blankets
- Treats
- Toys
- Pet First-Aid Kit
- Litterbox and litter (for cats)
- Muzzle (for dogs)
- Doggy life jacket
- Wipes
If you have a pocket pet, bird, or reptile, you will need to adapt your bag to meet their demands. Ask your Roanoke, VA vet for advice.
Rotate and update perishable items, including food, treats, and medications, regularly. That way, if your luggage goes unused for a few years, you won’t have to toss or replace anything. Consult your vet for recommendations.
Prepare Documentation
You’ll also want to prepare some of your pet’s papers. Shelters frequently need confirmation that a pet has had all necessary immunizations. You can take pictures of them and email it to yourself or save it to the cloud so you can access it from anywhere. Of course, this will not work if cell towers are not operational. We would also urge that you maintain hard copies with you. Keep these in your glove compartment so you always have them handy.
As for documentation, we recommend printing a list of pet-friendly shelters and hotels within about two hours’ travel. You might also want to keep track of weight limits, fees, and any other restrictions. This can definitely save you time if you ever need to evacuate.
We’d also recommend getting a pet first-aid pamphlet or printout. You should always seek emergency veterinary attention if your pet is injured, but you may need to conduct first aid on your own before transporting your animal buddy. Furthermore, many clinics may be closed during severe weather. It’s far better to have the information and not need it than to need it and not have it.
There are also apps available for download. The Red Cross has a fantastic one. However, if cell service is disrupted, the app will not function correctly. It is also a good idea to have some hard copy information.
Schedule an Appointment at Your Roanoke, VA Pet Clinic
Do you have a question about your pet’s health or care? Is it time for your pet’s appointment? You are welcome to contact us at any time. As your neighborhood Roanoke, VA pet hospital, we’re here to help!
