Summer is in full swing. Unfortunately for those of us in the Southeast, this also means hurricane season. As the average temperature rises, hurricanes become stronger and more frequent. Hurricanes have one advantage over earthquakes and tornadoes: you have time to prepare. This is one case where it is definitely preferable to get some things in order well before that foreboding blob appears on the weather forecast. This article contains advice for pet owners from a local Potomac, MD veterinarian.

Keep Up With Preventative Care

As a general rule, we always advise people to keep their pets up to date on preventative care like vaccinations and flea and tick treatments. It is considerably easier—and more cost-effective—to keep your pet safe from hazardous parasites and diseases than to treat them.

When it comes to storms, several factors come into play. For starters, the excess water may displace wild animals, some of which may transmit harmful diseases. Wet circumstances also provide an ideal breeding environment for mosquitos. As you may be aware, mosquitoes are carriers of heartworm, a highly serious parasite that can be fatal to your beloved pet. Your furry pal may also interact with other animals in a shelter or motel, which can also expose them to dangerous infestations.

Aside from the primary goal of safeguarding your cherished pet from harm, there is another factor to consider. Many shelters and pet-friendly hotels request verification proving pets have received all necessary immunizations and preventative treatment. You don’t want to be turned away because you neglected to arrange an appointment!

There are many medications available for flea and tick prevention, including pills, topical treatments, sprays, and collars. Talk to your veterinarian about your options to see what is best for you. Just make sure you only buy these products from a veterinarian clinic or an approved retail store or website that requires a prescription. Products may be available at cheap costs at box stores, flea markets, and other locations, but use caution. Many of these may be knockoffs. Unfortunately, there have been reports of pets becoming really ill—and even dying—after being treated with some low-end brands. Ask your veterinarian for advice.

Get An Evacuation Bag Ready

It’s always a good idea to have a bag packed for your pet, not just for storms, but also for vacations, camping, and any other emergency scenarios that may arise. This is something you can—and should—do well before any storms arrive.

Here’s a checklist of what to bring:

• Food
• Spare Leash
• Spare Collar
• Tie-Line
• Towels
• Blankets & Treats
• Toys
• Medication
• Supplements
• Bottled Water
• Dishes (Collapsible Dishes Are A Wonderful Choice Because They Are Lightweight.)
• Pet First Aid Kit
• Litterbox And Litter (Cats)
• Muzzle (Dogs)
• Doggy Life Jacket
• Wipes

If you have a pocket pet, bird, or reptile, you’ll need to modify your bag to their specific needs. Make sure to cycle through and refresh perishable items, including food, treats, and prescriptions. That way, if your luggage remains unused for a long time, you won’t have to toss or replace anything. Ask your Potomac, MD veterinarian for recommendations.

Have Paperwork Ready 

We also suggest that you get some of your pet’s papers ready to go. As previously stated, shelters frequently need confirmation that a pet has been kept up to date on immunizations. You can take photographs of this material and email them to yourself or store them in the cloud so you can access it from anywhere. Of course, this won’t work if cell towers aren’t operational. We also urge that you maintain hard copies with you. Keep them in your glove compartment so you always have them on hand.

As for documentation, we recommend that you print a list of pet-friendly shelters and hotels within a few hours’ travel. You may also want to take note of weight limits, fees, and any other restrictions. This can save you quite a bit of time if you ever have to evacuate.

We would also recommend getting a pet first-aid pamphlet or printout. While you should always seek emergency veterinarian attention if your pet is injured, you may need to provide first aid yourself before your animal companion can be delivered. Additionally, many clinics may be closed during a major weather event. It’s certainly preferable to have the information and not need it than to need it and not have it.

You can also download an application. The Red Cross has an excellent one. However, if mobile service is disrupted, the app will not function properly. It’s also a good idea to have some hard copy material.

Get a Carrier For Your Pet

Crates are always a safer option for pets to travel. This not only prevents your pet from wandering around in the car, but it also adds further protection against accidents. If you’re evacuating, you can also keep your pet safely confined in a designated area.

If your dog isn’t already crate-trained, we recommend doing so. Even if you don’t want Fido to sleep in his kennel every night, he should feel comfortable in it. You want your pet to think of his crate and carrier as his cozy den and travel compartment. To make it more comfortable, add some soft bedding and toys.

You should also include your contact information on the carrier, just in case it gets separated from you. You can use a baggage tag for this. Alternatively, use a mailing label. Apply transparent tape to make it waterproof.

Keep All Your Pet’s Identification Current

There are many sad stories of pets being lost or separated from their humans during hurricanes. Many shelters now welcome pets, although this is not universal. Unfortunately, pets often get left behind or flee in fright. It is critical to ensure that your pet’s ID tags are up to date.

We also cannot emphasize enough how important it is to have your pet microchipped. Microchips are permanent, whereas collars and tags can fall or be cut off. Make sure you update your information in the chipmaker’s database, and that your contact information is current and correct. (Tip: To check, use the Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool available here.)

You may also want to consider getting your pet a GPS tag. You can have one designed specifically for dogs, but you can also obtain an air tag or something similar. Simply look over the various options before making a purchase. You’ll want to consider range, water resistance, battery life, and, of course, membership fees.

Training is primarily intended for dog owners. If Fido does not know fundamental canine training commands like Sit, Stay, and Come, take the time to teach him. This can prevent your dog from running away or entering a risky place. It’s also important, simply as a matter of petiquette. Ask your Potomac, MD vet for training tips. 

Book An Appointment At Your Potomac, MD Pet Clinic

Do you have any questions about your pet’s health or care? Is your pet due for an appointment? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your local Potomac, MD pet hospital, we are here to assist!