Protecting Your Pet in Weather Emergencies

Providing your pets with their necessary parasite protection is the first thing every pet parent would look to do. But have you ever thought, what will you do if you find yourself in a state of real bother, like a nasty hurricane, or a sudden bushfire; press the panic button too soon, and let the disaster get the better of you! Or, you would make the necessary preparations beforehand so that you can ensure the safety of your loved companion. The latter behavior seems rational, doesn’t it!

Catastrophes don’t send warning letters. Weather extremes such as storms, bushfires, earthquakes, or floods give you no time to settle; they just come and hit and, hit you hard. As a caring and responsible pet lover, it is your sole responsibility to not just do your best; but rather, do what it takes to make sure your four-legged companion is safe in all circumstances. You can do no wrong if you make the necessary arrangements in advance to overcome such challenging events.

Here’s a comprehensive guide that helps you take care of your pet and get you through any disaster nature throws at you.

Before the Calamity Hits

Know Your Place

It is vital that you know whether the place or the area you are staying with your pet is prone to any weather extremes. For example, South Australia has frequently seen bushfires, earthquakes, and heat waves in recent years. When you can anticipate what may come your way, you can act early, prepare accordingly, and end up saving lives. So, learn about your place, its weather, and the possible natural calamities that can affect your place.

Make Rescue Plan

• Determine when you should start acting upon an extreme weather condition; early on or when it starts to pick up the pace.
• Recognize the possible safer places you and your pet can take shelter during an emergency.
• If the situation demands you to evacuate your home, find out shelter homes you and your pet can get shelter to. There are some human shelter homes that do not allow pets. So, you will need to find facilities that allow pets. In case, it requires you to be separated from your pet, look for an animal boarding or daycare facility for them nearby your shelter.

If evacuation is not required during the emergency, consider the following:

• Avoid chaining or tying up your pet so that it can move during an emergency.
• In case you need to leave the animal behind, leave them in a room, preferably with no windows, but has to have sufficient air.
• Make comfortable spaces for your pet in higher places of the house, especially during floods, such as on the bed or other lofty furniture.
• To avoid any unnecessary conflict during the crisis, don’t keep dog and cat in the same room or in the same place.

Prepare Emergency Kit for Your Pet

There are some essentials you will need for your pet during a weather crisis. Here’s the list of what the emergency kit for your pet should include:

• Vaccination certificate
• Contact Details of your veterinarian
• Registration certificates
• Identification tags mentioning your pet’s name with your contact details
• Medical records (should contain prescriptions, medical history)
• Photograph of your pet with its name on it
• Medications with written instructions
• Pet Collars, harnesses, or leash
• Pet Food and water (preferably dry food)
• Food dishes and bowels
• Microchip details including name, chip number, and name of the company
• Pet Carrier and Crate
• Beddings & blankets
• Litter tray (for cats)
• Poo bags (for dogs)

During the Calamity

• It is absolutely critical that you keep your head in the right place when catastrophe hits.
• Get in touch with your local emergency officials and follow their recommendations.
• Inform friends or relatives outside of the catastrophic location and ask them to be in contact.
• Determine when to execute the evacuation plan.
• Keep a pet emergency kit with you and use the essentials wisely, as and when required.
• If you and your pet need to take shelter at different locations, be in touch with the animal shelter and ensure that the pet is safe.
• Weather emergencies may also cause stress in pets. Make sure you don’t let that stress take a toll on you and your pet.

Post Calamity

• Once the catastrophe makes its way out, you need to get things back on track for you and your companion. The disaster takes away all the scents and marks your pet was accustomed to the place you both were living; hence when you come back, you may find your pet clueless, so, it’s important that you keep them leashed for some time.
• If you and your pet are at different shelters, inform the animal shelter’s administration in advance before appearing at the center to unite with your pet as there’ll be a lot of rush.

When returning back home with your pet:

• Watch out for harmful animals such as snakes or lizards in the house.
• Ensure your pet isn’t exposed to any dangerous objects like electric wires; broken glass or other sharp objects.
• Until your four-legged companion finds its feet, keep a close watch on your pet for any behavioral changes, and if you find any unusual conduct from your pet, seek help from a professional. If you notice any injuries on your pet, rush to the vet.
• Taking your pet to a veterinarian and getting it checked up right after your animal companion has experienced an emergency, will be no less than a blessing to your four-legged friend.
• It is possible that your pet may face anxiety issues after facing such extreme weather conditions. Calm your dog with anxiety relievers like Thunder Wunder Calming Chews or Nectar Calm and Relax Powder.

Conclusion

Weather emergencies can really test your character as a pet parent. At the end of the day, so much can prove so less. In a weather crisis, the two of the most important things you need are; a cool head on your shoulders and a will to guard your animal love. Whatever you do as a custodian of your four-legged companion, just ensure that you put your pet’s health and safety as a priority at all costs.