Hurricane Tips

HURRICANE TIPS  

Having lived in South Florida for more than 10 years before moving back to NJ (and weathering my fair share of hurricanes, including Andrew in 1992!), I’ve experienced first-hand what being prepared for a storm means!

Here’s my list of tips to keep the stress of my canine family members at a minimum:
 

Have a Pet Survival Kit Packed and Ready
Two weeks of food and medication
Manual can opener (if your dog eats canned food)
Leashes and collars (plus tags)
Food and water dishes
Toys and blanket
Cleaning supplies (paper towels, disinfectant, plastic bags)
Bags to pick up after your dog
Crate or travel carrier. If your dog isn’t used to staying in one, start slowly training them to accept it. Some evacuation shelters require dogs to be crated, and having the ability to use a crate at a hotel or friend/relatives house will give your dog a sense of security.
Laminated picture of your dog (to prove ownership and to post if your dog gets lost)
Copy of current vet and vaccination records, tags, microchip info.
List of emergency phone numbers (your vet, local animal shelters that will house dogs in an emergency, friends, and relatives).
Store items that can be damaged if wet, in waterproof containers.

BEFORE a hurricane threatens, research which hotels in and out of your area will accept pets. Store this information in your Pet Survival Kit. The Automobile Club of America publishes a book (for members only) that lists hotels and motels that will accept dogs.

Make sure your dog has perfected at least the basic obedience commands. A solid “Come”, “Stay” and “Heel” command are essential for keeping your dog safe at any time, but especially while traveling and in unfamiliar circumstances.

NOW is the time to teach your dog that it’s fun to travel and visit strange new places! A dog that’s used to adventures will be far less stressed than one who never leaves his home or yard except for yearly vet visits!”

For carsick dogs, try my Kathy Santo Everyday Pets EASE THE QUEASE™ to help combat stress and nausea associated with travel. For stressed out dogs without carsick issues, my RELIEVE DE STRESS™ helps relieve stress due to traveling, boarding, moving, etc.

Last but not least, make sure your pet is spayed and neutered, so that in the event he or she does get separated from you, they won’t be contributing to the pet overpopulation problem!

AFTER A HURRICANE:
When taking your dog outside after a hurricane, keep him leashed at all times and avoid downed power lines, standing water, debris or any wild animals that may be displaced from their normal environment.