Hurricane Pet Preparation And Safety

It’s that time of year again: hurricane season. Given this year’s record-breaking ocean temperatures, it won’t exactly be a huge surprise if we find ourselves tracking major storms within the next few weeks. Having some things ready, just in case, can make things much easier on you later. A Fort Myers, FL vet offers some pet preparation and safety tips below.

Supplies

Don’t wait until you see that blob on the weather report to stock up on essentials. Keep a few weeks’ worth of your pet’s food, treats, medicine, and, for cat owners, litter on hand. Bottled water is another must. Pick some up every time you hit a store.

Emergency Kit

Evacuations are stressful, hectic, and, unfortunately, sometimes necessary. Have an emergency bag ready for your furry friend. You’ll want to include food, treats, medicine, bedding, a collar or harness, a leash and tie line, towels, dishes, grooming supplies, and a pet first-aid kit and brochures. Cats will also need litter, while Fido needs waste bags and a muzzle, just in case a shelter requires it. Keep everything in one spot. Ideally, you’ll want to store them in or near your pet’s travel carrier. Having everything in one place will save you some running around.

Plans

If you don’t have a designated spot to evacuate to, take time to pull a list of pet-friendly shelters and hotels in the area. If you’re planning to stay with friends and family, talk to them about your pet, and make sure Fido and Fluffy are welcome, too.

Preventative Care

Keeping up with wellness and preventative care is important all year long. However, it can become critical in a storm or another emergency. For one thing, storms displace wild animals that could be carrying diseases. Your furry friend could also come into contact with strange pets in shelters or hotels. That increases the risk of them catching transmissible diseases or parasites. Plus, many places require proof that pets are current on their vaccinations and parasite control before allowing entry. Keep copies of the paperwork in your pet’s carrier, so you always have them with you.

ID

Identification is also crucial. Your furry pal should be microchipped and wearing ID tags. Smart tags and GPS tags are also great tools. Just do some research before purchasing them. Look at things like range, battery life, and water resistance.

Is your pet due for exams or wellness care? Call us, your Fort Myers, FL pet hospital, today!