Chances are if you are in the path of Hurricane Sandy, then your pets are feeling very anxious. I've got some tips to keep your pets safe, ideas to reduce pet stress, and guidelines for packing hurricane supplies to have ready for your dog and cat in case you have to evacuate.
1) If the weather permits, when you go outside keep dogs on a leash
Dogs can sense when threatening weather approaches and they will sometimes hide. Make sure you keep track of your pet as the storm approaches. When you take a dog outside, use a leash. Never assume that a dog trained to be safe off leash in normal situations will stay with you during a storm. Even though your dog looks calm, the advancing storm my cause your pet to try to run away outside to flee the situation.
2) Follow social media updates on Twitter and Facebook
If you are not safe to stay in your home during a hurricane, then your pet is not safe either. The best advice to pet owners in the path of a hurricane may be to evacuate early. Remember to share your evacuation plans with relatives and friends. Many shelters are accepting pets with their families. Here are a few Twitter users to follow because they provide updates on shelters accepting pets in your area: @ASPCA and @HumaneSociety. Also you can follow the hashtag #sandypets. The ASPCA's Disaster Preparedness Checklist is a great resource. The Humane Society of the United States has helpful information via this link: Disaster Preparedness for Pets. If you live in NYC, information regarding the storm is available via Office of Emergency Management.
3) Check your pet's collar for an ID tag
It seems obvious, but if you change collars you might not remember to have the correct pet ID tags on the collars. (Also, remember to place proper identification and vaccination identification in your pet's "Go Bag" explained below)
4) Tips to help calm your dog
- During times of stress for dogs, telling your dog to be quiet if he or she is whining or barking will not be helpful. Your dog is actually trying to warn you about what they perceive to be a dangerous situation. Instead, try to get your pet involved in a new activity and praise them when they participate.
- If your dog is obsessively licking his fur or barking or whining because of the storm, give your dog an alternative activity to do such as providing a "project toy" like a Kong filled with dog treats.
- If your dog or cat likes to be groomed with a brush or comb, here's the perfect time to calm them down and give them the spa treatment.
- If your dog likes to snuggle under a blanket, try wrapping the two of you together and snuggle up. You can even get the kids involved and construct a makeshift tent with chairs and blankets and make a cozy space to relax inside—and be aware some pets don't like to be in confined spaces and stop this game if it is making your dog more anxious.
- Have you ever noticed if your dog or cat likes to sit by your side while you read a book outloud to your kids? This can be a very calming activity. Get your kids involved to read to your pet too.
- If your dog has a good nose, try the hide a treat under a cup game. This is a fun game that challenges your dog to sniff out a dog treat reward. Find three plastic cups or small bowls and some dog kibble pieces. Sit on the floor with your dog and turn the cups upside down and "Hide" a treat under one cup. Move the cups around on the floor. Now ask your dog to "find the treat." Cheer your dog along until he finds the correct cup. You can help him out if needed. Repeat the game with a new treat. After you repeat this game a few times all of the cups will eventually have the scent of the treat inside, your dog will probably still have fun playing because you both are playing together.
- Keeo your dog busy and focused on you instead of the storm by teaching your dog a new simple trick. If your dog knows how to shake, practice that. You can add a step and teach your dog to give you a canine high five instead. Or try teaching your dog to roll over—have your dog lay down, say "Roll Over" and gently help your dog roll to one hip. To help complete the roll, hold a dog treat above his head with one hand and with the other hand gently help your dog finish the roll so he is on his tummy again. Praise your dog and reward with a dog treat.
5) What to supplies to pack for your pets—tips for making a pet "Go Bag"
Place the following in a pet "go bag" and have it ready:
- proper backup identification of your pet: proof of ownership, copy of vaccine records, dog license, etc.
- special medical instructions written out now, in case you have to leave your pet at an animal shelter temporarily
- photo of your pet and OWNER
- list of identifying marks or features of your pet
- 2 leashes
- extra pet collar or pet harness
- pet food (7-day supply if possible and canned pet food helps pets stay hydrated)
- jugs of water or water bottles (7-day supply)
- pet bowls (lightweight and portable types are best)
- pet medicine and pet first aid kit (first aid kit tips here)
- 2 pet blankets and a few favorite toys
- cat litter and cat litter box
- pet crate or a pet travelling case for your pet
- lightweight blanket or sheet to cover the pet travel case and calm down your pet if needed
- Top 10 Pet Emergency Kit Items | petMD
- If your pet is microchipped, have a copy of the microchip information
6) If you are looking for a pet-friendly hotel, check out these pet-friendly hotel locators
Bringfido.com
Dogfriendly.com
Doginmysuitcase.com
Pet-friendly-hotels.net
Pets-allowed-hotels.com
Petswelcome.com
Tripswithpets.com
7) Stay safe after the storm
You probably have heard all the warnings about avoiding dangerous powerlines, tree branches, debris, and flooded areas. Unforutnately your dog is naturally curious and will find these things interesting. Keep your dog on a leash to avoid getting hurt by live power lines or even getting tangled and stuck in tree branches on the ground. Also, some wild animals in the region might have wandered into your neighborhood due to the storm, so watch out for unusual wildlife.
Stay safe, friends. For more information of hurricane preparedness check out check out NOAA general information on safety.
