Summer is officially here. Unfortunately for those of us in the Southeast, this also means hurricane season. As average temperatures rise, hurricanes are getting 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 ominous blob appears on the weather forecast. In this article, a Fort Bragg, NC veterinarian offers some advice for pet owners.

Keep On Top Of Preventative Care

Preventative care is always important, just as a matter of good pet care. It is considerably easier—and more cost-effective—to keep your furry friend 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 parasite that can be fatal to your pet. Furthermore, your furry buddy may interact with other animals in a shelter or motel, which could expose them to dangerous infestations.

Aside from the primary goal of safeguarding your cherished pet from harm, there is one more factor to consider. Many shelters and pet-friendly hotels request verification proving pets have received all necessary immunizations and preventative treatment. 

There are numerous 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 Fort Bragg, NC veterinarian for advice.

Get A Good Carrier

Crates are usually 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 be comfortable doing so. To make the crate more comfortable, add some soft bedding and toys. You should also include your contact info on the carrier. You can use a baggage tag for this. Or, use a mailing label. Apply transparent tape to make it waterproof.

Keep Your Pet’s ID Up to Date

Sadly, there are countless accounts of pets being lost during hurricanes. Many shelters now welcome pets, although this is not universal. Unfortunately, pets are sometimes left behind when people have to evacuate in emergencies. Others may flee in fright. 

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’ll also need to make sure that your pet’s ID tags are up to date.

You may also want to consider getting your pet a GPS tag. There are some designed specifically for dogs, but you can also get an Air tag or anything similar. Just look over the various options before making a purchase. You’ll want to consider range, water resistance, battery life, and, of course, subscription fees.

Get A Travel Bag Ready

It’s always a good idea to have a bag packed for your pet, not just for storms, but also for vacation, 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
• Medication
• Supplements
• Bottled water 
• Dishes (Collapsible dishes are a wonderful choice because they are lightweight.)
• Spare leash
• Spare collar
• Tie-line
• Towels
• Blankets
• Treats
• Toys
• Pet First Aid Kit
• Litterbox and litter (Cats)
• Muzzle (dogs)
• Doggy life jacket
• Wipes

You may also want to include some pet-calming products, such as treats or sprays. This may also come in handy during the storm. Be sure to talk to your vet about various products and options. 

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 pet’s bag remains unused for a while, you won’t have to toss or replace anything. Ask your Fort Bragg, NC veterinarian for recommendations.

Prepare Fido’s Documentation

You should also get some of your furry buddy’s papers ready to go. As previously stated, shelters frequently need confirmation that a pet has been maintained up to date on immunizations. You might take images of this material and email it to yourself or store it in the cloud so you can access it from anywhere. Of course, this won’t work if cell towers aren’t operational, so we also urge that you maintain hard copies with you. Keep them in your glove compartment so you always have them on hand. That is also just good practice, so you always have them when you take Fido to parks or trails, just in case they are needed.

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 a lot of time if you ever have to evacuate.

Getting a pet first-aid pamphlet or printout is also a good bet. While you should always seek emergency veterinarian attention if your four-legged buddy is injured, you may need to provide first aid yourself before your animal companion can be delivered. Additionally, 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.

Training

This is primarily 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. You’ll want to work on one thing at a time. Don’t move on until your pup has mastered the current command.

Book An Appointment At Your Fort Bragg, NC 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 Fort Bragg, NC pet hospital, we are here to assist!