Preparing for emergencies doesn’t stop with securing the doors and latches. Our furred friends need some additional care during these times to better cope with changes happening and the disaster itself. Once surprising emergencies arise, pets tend to own increased anxiety and may react irrationally. Animals have instincts regarding severe weather changes and will usually isolate themselves if they’re afraid. If they’re left outside when these instincts kick in, they’ll run away to seek out safety. This will increase the possibility of pets getting lost, contusioned or maybe killed. By preparing for these changes in our pet’s behavior, we will facilitate them feel safer, and give them what they need to cope with the situation at hand.
Knowing how your pet can react before, throughout and after a storm is the start in guaranteeing their safety. Take your pet inside the house before the disaster happens. This may facilitate them realize a secure and quiet spot for them to ride out the disaster in. Also, as a contingency plan, it’s always good to possess your pet’s medical documentation and emergency identification cards reachable, or included along with your emergency documents. Additionally, having some first aid provides set aside for your pets could help guarantee their safety if they happen to become hurt.
Suggestions for your pet’s first aid kit:
- Phone numbers to the pet’s veterinarian
- Latex gloves
- Gauze rolls for wrapping wounds or for muzzling an injured pet.
- Gauze sponges
- Non-stick bandages, towels or towels cut in to strips to control bleeding.
- Adhesive tape, hypoallergenic
- Elastic cling bandages
- Water-based sterile lubricant
- Eye-wash or sterile saline wash
- Topical antibiotic ointment
- Petroleum jelly
- Antiseptic towelettes
- Diphenhydramine (antihistamine) – *Should be approved by your veterinarian
- Q-tips
- Milk of Magnesia or activated charcoal to absorb poison. *Call the pet’s vet first administering this.
- Hydrogen Peroxide to clean wounds and induce vomiting. *Call the pet’s vet before administering this.
- Thermometer to check your pet’s temperature.
- Eye dropper or large syringe without the needle to administer any medications orally.
- Materials to make a splint.
- Cold pack
- Small scissors
- Safety pins
- Tweezers
- Magnifying glass
- Emergency blanket
- Muzzle
- Leash
- Penlight with batteries
Ensuring our pets are as safe as the different members of the family can help all family members cope with the stressful scenario.
