Pets and Hurricane Ike

Petrelocation.com - Hurricane Ike is headed toward the coastal bend of Texas this weekend and it's important for those living in the area to remember their pets and pet transport emergency evacuating and making plans.

The Animal Defense League of Texas offers the following tips for pet safety during a hurricane:

  1. While ADL condemns chaining dogs in yards, the reality is some folks do just that. But possible flooding can drown dogs who cannot escape rising water. As Ike approaches late Friday night, dogs chained to trees should be brought indoors. Indeed all companion animals should be brought in doors well in advance of the storm hitting our area.
  2. If you must evacuate, be sure you have pet carrier or cage for EACH dog, cat, bird or small animal. Make sure it is large enough for each pet to stand up and turn around inside. Exceptions can be made to house more than one animal per carrier, but DO NOT mix different animal species together. Frightened animals may exhibit behavior changes. Plus, take time to familiarize your pet(s) in the carrier or crate before the storm hits.
  3. Be sure your pets vaccinations are current. Healthy pets have a greater chance of surviving the stresses of a storm. Infectious diseases can become a BIG threat following a disaster. Rabies and other communicable diseases exists in our area and without proper precautions it is fatal to people and animals. High winds and flooding may dislocate wild animals who may be carrying rabies putting your dogs and cats at greater risk of contracting the disease.
  4. Be sure your pets are micro-chipped. It is now required in San Antonio but whether required or not micro-chipping may help assure return of your pet if she is lost during a storm. The better animals are identified, the greater the chances of reuniting them to their original rightful owners. Tags also are a great idea since using more than one ID can improve the odds of finding your baby. And if you are evacuating with your pet remember to place ID on the carriers.
  5. Take clear, color photos (frontal, left and right sides) and store with your petҒs license, health records and ownership papers in a waterproof carrier to take with you.
  6. If you must evacuate, take your pet(s) and their emergency kits along with you. If it is unsafe for you to remain, it is unsafe for your pet(s) as well
     

Make Your Pet Emergency Kit includes:

  1. Carrier or portable kennel for each pet.
  2. Pet(s) ownership, registration, photos, health papers
  3. A leash and properly fitted collars/harness to restrain each pet.
  4. Non-spill food and water dishes
  5. Water in non-breakable containers, 14 day supply (double what your pets eat on an average day)
  6. Food supply (14 day)and manual can opener
  7. Special medications, dosage and care instructions
  8. Grooming equipment and hygiene items
  9. Toys, blankets and special comfort items.
  10. Cleanser and disinfectant to properly handle wastes
  11. Newspapers/litter, scooper, plastic bags for wastes
  12. Pet First Aid Kit
  1. HEMOSTAT or TWEEZERS for grabbing onto things like sticks, thorns, ticks, or anything else that may be caught in your pet's mouth or skin.
  2. THERMOMETER (normal temp in dogs and cats is 101 to 102 degrees F. A low temperature can indicate a very sick animal or hypothermia. In either case it is very important to warm the animal. A high temp can indicate infection or hyperthermia. Temps above 106 or 107 degrees can cause brain damage.
  3. SCISSORS to cut tape, gauze and to clip hair around wounds.
  4. GAUZE PADS AND ROLL OF GAUZE to clean, cover and cushion injuries. The rolled gauze can be used for tourniquet or muzzle.
  5. ADHESIVE TAPE or sticky bandage or roll of Vet Wrap
  6. IODINE PREP SOLUTION. Antiseptic solution for cleansing wounds or burns.
  7. ALCOHOL PREP PADS. Used to clean scissors, tweezers and hands. (Do not use on wounds)
  8. TRIPLE ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT. Inhibits bacterial growth in cuts and abrasions. Promotes wound healing
  9. STYPIC POWDER. This is most useful for stopping bleeding caused by torn toenails
  10. BENEDRYL: Works well in reducing allergic reactions to insect bites. These reactions can be serious if a pet is stung in the mouth, since swelling could block the windpipe. Please check with your Vet before using for the right dosage
  11. RESCUE REMEDY (give 2 drops on tongue every 5-15 minutes in case of shock. This can be used any time an animal is stressed.
  12. 325 mg BUFFERED ASPRIN. Please check with your vet for correct dosage. Used for reducing inflammation from sore muscles or joints. TYLENOL IS POISONOUS TO CATS. Check with your vet before giving any meds. Tape the correct dosages for your pets inside the first aid kit.
  13. BLANKET. Animals often go into shock when injured. A blanket will help keep them warm

IF You Must Leave Your Pet

  1. If you must leave your pet provide enough food and water for a couple of days in a high place that your pets can reach. Don't forget to leave youre a couple of cat a litter boxes. This should also be up high. In the case of flooding you should also leave a blanket or something similar on your roof. This will provide your pets a place to sit/lay to prevent paws from burning on the roof material until help can arrive
  2. Do not leave a dog with a cat even if they are normally friendly with each other. The storm can alter animal behavior and instincts will override any training
The source for this information can be found here.

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