As Hurricane Ian bears down on the U.S. mainland today, millions of people are under mandatory evacuation orders in Florida, and many of these people will be evacuating with their pets as well.
If you’re in the evacuation zone, it’s important to make sure you have a plan for your pets. However, many pet owners don’t know how to prepare their pets for this event. This blog post will provide you with some tips on how to prepare and keep your pets safe and healthy after evacuation.
After the initial phase of evacuation, it is important to keep your pets safe and healthy. Pets can be difficult to manage during a evacuation, it is important to follow basic precautions before evacuating. By following these tips, you can ensure that your pets are safe and healthy when they return to their home.
List of 6 tips on how to prepare and keep your pets safe and healthy after evacuation :
- Vaccination: Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all of their vaccinations. This will help them stay healthy in the event that they come in contact with any contaminated water or food. Make sure all pets are vaccinated against rabies and other contagious diseases before leaving. These vaccines can help protect your pet from getting sick when evacuated.
- Safety: If you evacuated with your pet, make sure to keep them on a leash at all times. This will help them stay safe and prevent them from getting lost in an unfamiliar place.
- Food: Keep an eye on your pet’s food and water intake. Make sure they have access to clean water and plenty of food. Keep an eye on their weight. Make sure they are eating and drinking enough. Pets that don’t eat or drink enough can get sick.
- Stress: Be aware of the signs of stress in your pet. Watch for excessive panting, drooling, shaking, or aggression. If you notice any of these signs, try to calm your pet and provide them with a quiet place to rest.
- Check up: After the hurricane has passed, take your pet to the veterinarian for a check-up. This will help ensure that they are healthy and free from any injuries or illness.
- Safe Place: Have a safe place for them to stay. Make sure there is a comfortable place for your pet to lay down, eat, and drink. If they are cooped up, they may become sick ornery. Make sure their environment is safe. Make sure their toys and play areas are free of hazards such as sharp edges, broken glass, and other dangerous items.
- Have a map of the area where you live or what areas are evacuated. This will help you identify which animal shelters are open and which ones may be closed.
It is important to prepare for hurricanes with a plan for your pets, since hurricanes can be terrifying for both humans and pets. These simple tips will keep your furry friends healthy and safe during and after the storm.
Also, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offers tips on assembling a pet evacuation kit, what to do if your pet gets lost, and what to do after a disaster.
Pet evacuation kits
The AVMA advises pet owners include the following in their pet evacuation kits:
1. Food and Medicine
- 3-7 days’ worth of dry and canned (pop-top) food*
- Two-week supply of medicine*
- At least 7 days’ supply of water
- Feeding dish and water bowl
- Liquid dish soap
2. First Aid Kit
- Anti-diarrheal liquid or tablets
- Antibiotic ointment
- Bandage tape and scissors
- Cotton bandage rolls
- Flea and tick prevention (if needed in your area)
- Isopropyl alcohol/alcohol prep pads
- Latex gloves
- Saline solution
- Towel and washcloth
- Tweezers
3. Sanitation
- Litter, litter pan, and scoop (shirt box with plastic bag works well for pan)
- Newspaper, paper towels, and trash bags
- Household chlorine beach or disinfectant
4. Important documents
- Identification papers including proof of ownership
- Medical records and medication instructions
- Emergency contact list, including veterinarian and pharmacy
- Photo of your pet (preferably with you)
5. Travel supplies
- Crate or pet carrier labeled with your contact information
- Extra collar/harness with ID tags and leash
- Flashlight, extra batteries
- Muzzle
6. Comfort items
- Favorite toys and treats
- Extra blanket or familiar bedding
ALSO READ : Top 7 Points To Keep In Mind Before Buying Pet Insurance!
Ensure pet safety when returning home
When the storm passes and people return home, the AVMA encourages pet owners to ensure the health and well-being of their pets in potentially dangerous or stressful situations.
The AVMA recommends the following steps when returning home with pets after a disaster:
- Identify sharp objects, dangerous materials, dangerous wildlife, contaminated water, downed power lines, and other hazards inside and outside your home.
- Pets should not be allowed to roam freely outdoors until the area is safe. Allowing them to wander outside unsupervised and unrestrained could expose them to dangerous wildlife. Moreover, familiar smells and landmarks may have changed, which can confuse your pets.
- Give your pets uninterrupted rest and sleep so that they can recover from the trauma and stress of evacuations and disasters.
- Disrupted routines can cause your pets a great deal of stress, so reestablish a normal schedule as soon as possible.
- It is important to comfort each other. People and pets can both benefit from the simple act of petting and cuddling.
- Schedule a checkup with your veterinarian if you notice any signs of stress, discomfort, or illness in your pets.
You can also visit avma.org/PetReady for more information on pets and disasters.
Conclusion :
Hurricane Ian is a great example of how dangerous hurricanes can be for both humans and animals. By following the tips in this article, you can help keep your pets safe and healthy after evacuation.
Remember to have a plan in place before the hurricane season begins, so that you and your family are prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. With a little planning ahead of time, you can rest assured that your furry friends will be taken care of no matter what happens. Thanks for reading and stay safe!
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