June marks the start of hurricane season on all of the Atlantic Coast. As we live in Florida we need to be prepared not only for ourselves but also for our furry companions. The best thing we can do for our pets is to plan ahead so we are ready to care for them during a disaster.
But how do we prepare for the safety of our pets?
While you begin collecting supplies and looking up local evacuation shelters, don’t forget to consider your pet’s safety. Hurricanes, like all-natural disasters, are not exactly fun things to be caught in and can be deadly for anyone, including your furry companion.
Tips that may help
Before the storm:
- Bring all pets inside.
- Ensure you have emergency supplies: extra pet food, enough for 3 days, water, and a carrier ready that is large enough for your pet to turn around and lie down comfortably.
- Microchip pets and/or put a tag on their collar with your name, current address, and cellphone number.
- Have a pet disaster preparedness kit including a pet carrier, First Aid supplies, leashes, bowls, sanitation materials, chew toys, food, meds, and water
- List of pet-friendly shelters and accommodations, in case you need to evacuate. If your family must evacuate, take your pets with you and leave as early as you can.
During the storm if you cannot evacuate:
- Choose a safe room for riding out the storm and take your entire family there, including your pets.
- Keep your emergency kit in that room with you (food, water, meds).
- Know your pets hiding places. That is where they may run; keep them with you.
- Secure exits so your pets cannot escape into the storm.
- Do not tranquilize your pets. They will need their survival instincts.
After the storm
Once the danger has passed you’ll need to check your dog over – particularly if you were separated during the storm. Look for any signs that your dog needs medical attention, such as:
- Wounds or other injuries.
- Pain, limping, or swelling.
- Changes in energy level.
- Changes in appetite.
- Coughing, sneezing, or discharge from the nose.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Changes in behavior.
Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you are at all concerned about your dog’s health following the natural disaster, it is always a good idea to make an appointment for an examination by a veterinarian.
Potty tips for heavy rain and before and during a storm
During heavy rains, some dogs refuse to go outside to potty. Most of them don’t like the sensation of having their paws wet or the sensation of wet grass.
These tips can be useful during heavy rain (as long as the weather is SAFE)
- Acclimate your dog to being wet and having wet paws.
- Use a large umbrella to keep you both dry.
- Train your dog to potty on cue.
- Get a dog raincoat and/or dog rain boots.
- Do not go outside in thunderstorms especially if your dog is afraid of them
- Always keep your dog on a leash
During Hurricane
If your dog needs to go to the bathroom inside during a hurricane, some possible locations for a dog bathroom are:
- Kiddie Pool/Play Pen.
- Dog Crate
- Garage
- Bath Tub
- Kitchen/Bathroom Floor
- Portable Dog Bathroom
If you have a dog that is well-potty trained, it might be difficult for you to get your dog to go to the bathroom inside. A suggestion is to use the same routine as when you go outside. An example could be putting on a leash and walking inside the house to the place where the temporary bedroom is placed.
Some materials that you can use for the bathroom are: Sod (a patch of grass), newspaper, dog pads, and artificial grass.
Sod will likely be the best material that you can use when trying to convince your dog to go to the bathroom inside. Sod is real grass and is relatively cheap at Home Depot or Lowes. Some locals company here in Miami sell sod squares in different sizes, just ready to be used.
