Is Your Dog Prepared for a Natural Disaster?

BY JAMIE

June is national pet preparedness month and we’d like to talk about keeping your pet safe and healthy in the event of a natural disaster. What would you do if your home was struck by a flood, fire, hurricane, earthquake, or tornado?

Residents in Texas found themselves in a nightmare situation when massive flooding struck, driving many from their homes. Many pets became lost or separated from their families during the storms and subsequent flooding, and animal shelters in the area were unable to care for the dogs and cats they already had, let alone take in more. We’ve prepared a few tips to help you keep your beloved pet safe in a natural or man-made disaster.

Pet Preparedness Month Tips
1. Microchip your pet. Microchipping is by far one of the best things you can do to help your pet should he or she become separated from your family. It costs around $50 and can be done in just a few minutes. Call your veterinarian for an appointment today if your pet is not already microchipped.

2. Pack a go-bag for your pets. Include essentials like fresh water, food and water bowls, a supply of food, treats, and a few comfort items. You can also include copies of your pets’ immunization records and veterinarian information. Keeping current picture of your pets in the bag can also help you locate them more quickly if you are separated from your pet. Keep this bag packed and easy to access at all times. Include at extra collar, leash, and ID tags- just in case.

The ASPCA recommends including the following:

• Pet first-aid kit and guide book (ask your vet what to include, or visit the ASPCA Store to buy one online)
• 3-7 days’ worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (be sure to rotate every two months)
• Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
• Litter or paper toweling
• Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
• Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
• Pet feeding dishes
• Extra collar or harness as well as an extra leash
• Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless.)
• Bottled water, at least 7 days’ worth for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)
• A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet
• Flashlight
• Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet)
• Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters)
• Especially for cats: Pillowcase or EvackSack, toys, scoopable litter
• Especially for dogs: Extra leash, toys and chew toys, a week’s worth of cage liner.

3. Keep a pet first aid kit handy at all times. If you don’t already have a pet first aid kit, you can purchase one from amazon or your local pet supply store.

Here’s a handy list from the AVMA of what to include if you make your own:

4. Practice fire drills with your pet and have a evacuation plan in place before a disaster strikes.
The ASPCA recommends:

• Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible.
• Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. Your pet’s ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to write your pet’s name, your name and contact information on your pet’s carrier.
• The ASPCA recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification. A microchip is implanted in the animal’s shoulder area, and can be read by scanner at most animal shelters.
• Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.
• Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.

5. Trade contact information and house keys with a close neighbor or friend so you can have someone else pick up your dog if a disaster strikes while you’re at work or away from home. Choose someone who is familiar with your pets and someone your dog trusts.

6. Put rescue alert stickers on your windows so emergency responders know there are pets in the home.

7. Have a prepared list of emergency boarding places for your pets. Your veterinarian can assist in finding local kennels and shelter that take pets in an emergency.

Disasters can strike at any time. Being prepared can help save a life. Take the time today to prepare your pets for an unforeseen disaster.

The ASPCA has a special app for pet parents designed specifically for disaster preparedness. You can get more information about their app here: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness/aspca-launches-mobile-app-pet-parents.