According to a survey conducted by Banfield, a non-profit organization for pets and owners, 91 percent of pet owners aren’t prepared for the next natural disaster.
A concerning situation if there ever was one, this survey only cements the belief that our pets require a lot more care than what we’re giving them. Especially during this season of hurricanes, storms, and tornadoes, we must do what we can to protect them so that they can stay happy, healthy, and safe in our arms.
How to Protect Your Pet During a Storm
Decide on a Safety Plan
In other words, be prepared.
Does your pet have special needs? Will there be any time during a storm they may require medication? Considering what your pet requires, decide on a game plan so that nothing catches you by surprise.
Have a Kit for Pet Emergencies Ready
This pet emergency kit should include:
- Non-perishable food
- Water (enough for a week)
- Medical records and proof of vaccination
- Pet photos
- At least a two weeks’ supply of prescription medication
- A solid pet carrier
- Puppy pads
- Plastic bags for picking up waste
- Comfort toys and treats
- A pet bed
- First aid kit
Get Heartworm Medication
Let’s say you’re hiding out in your storm shelter during a massive hurricane. If during any circumstances, your pet gets bit by a bug or mosquito, this can increase their likelihood of heartworm disease.
Check and see if your pet needs a pill. Otherwise, keep your supplies at hand.
Get Your Pet Microchipped
If, by any misfortune, you’re outdoors and your pet runs away because of the storm, having them microchipped will ensure you that they’ll be brought back home. Microchipping your pet allows you to enter all your information in a single chip that is then registered with the microchip company. As a result, anyone who scans them can quickly know that they belong to you.
Practice Safety
Train your pets to make their way to the storm shelter if you have one in case of a storm. In addition to creating a safe space for you and our family, make arrangements in the shelter for your pet as well. Add an open pet carrier so they can make their way in.
If your pet hides if they get scared or stressed, practice catching them with a soft carrier or a pillowcase, so you don’t have any problems getting them when a storm occurs.
And when you’re in the storm shelter, stay close to them. At that time, all they need is your presence to stay comforted.
Stay Safe!
All we want is for you and your loved ones to stay safe.
Follow the above information properly. And if you don’t have a storm shelter in place, invest in one. US Safe Rooms offers custom designed, aboveground storm shelters in Texas, these are tested against F5 tornadoes.
