Hurricane Preparedness for Your Pets
It’s that time of year again: Hurricane Season! Countless times in the past people have been told to evacuate their homes for a short period, only to find out they can’t return for days or even weeks. The bottom line: We need to be prepared to take our animals with us when we leave.
Here are the 5 key items to prepare now:
1. Identify evacuation locations,
- Make sure your evacuation destination is able to house your pets. You will also want to pack leashes, collars and harnesses for each pet.
2. Each pet needs a collapsible cage or airline approved carrier with proper bedding.
- Cat carriers should be large enough to hold a small litter pan and still allow your cat enough room to lie down comfortably or stand to use the litter pan.
- Dog kennels should be large enough to hold 2 no spill bowls and still allow your dog enough room to stand and turn around.
- Each carrier should be labeled with your identification and contact information.
3. Medications
- In addition to their monthly heartworm, flea and tick medications, you may want to consider travel tranquillizers if needed. You may even want a test run on those medications to evaluate proper dosing and effectiveness since every animal responds differently. Don’t expect Benadryl to work for this… you’ll lose your mind on that 6 hours drive to Baton Rouge and 3 more hours to get to Port Allen.
4. Microchip and Vaccine Records
- If your pets are not already microchipped, get one implanted now! Keep a record of your pet’s microchip number in a safe place. Be sure to have the PetDesk app downloaded. With the PetDesk app, all of your pet’s information, including proof of up-to-date vaccinations, are stored within the app for easy access. It’s also a good idea to have current photos of your pets.
5. Food ,Water, Treats and Toys
- An extra bag of your pet’s special food in airtight, waterproof containers
- Treats and their favorite toys may also help keep them calm during the travel
Here is a list of everything we think should be in your small animal first aid kit:
- Activated Charcoal (liquid)
- Anti-Diarrheal Liquid or Tablets
- Antibiotic Ointment ( for wounds)
- Antibiotic eye ointment
- Bandage scissors
- Bandage tape
- Betadine (povidone-iodine) or Nolvasan (Chlorhexidine), scrub and solution
- Cotton Bandage rolls
- Cotton-tipped swabs
- Elastic bandage rolls
- Eye rinse (sterile)
- Gauze pads and rolls
- Ice cream sticks (which may be used as splints)
- Isopropyl alcohol/alcohol prep pads
- Latex gloves or non-allergenic gloves
- Liquid dish detergent (mild wound and body cleanser)
- Measuring spoons
- Non-adherent bandages pads
- Saline solution ( for rinsing wounds)
- Sterile Lubricant (water based)
- Styptic powder (clotting agent)
- Syringe or eyedropper
- Thermometer (digital)
- Tourniquet
- Towel and washcloth
- Tweezers
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