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Prepare for the Worst and Hope for the Best: A Guide on Getting Your Pets Through a Storm

Posted by TiAnna Anderson on 13 March 2017 | 0 Comments

Prepare for the Worst and Hope for the Best: A Guide on Getting Your Pets Through a Storm

The season for severe weather is upon us, and it is much easier to be prepared in advance versus scrambling at the last minute. Not only will you need to think about securing your home and making sure your humans have supplies and are as comfortable as possible, you will also need to think about your fur babies. Below are some tips to help get them through storms, natural disasters, and even loud noises, such as, fireworks in the summer.

If severe weather is headed your way, it is always best to evacuate with your fur babies, however, that is not always possible. Technical Services Veterinarian, Dr. Jim Lowe, says, “Prepare a safe room in the house for the entire family.  Include your pet’s favorite toy, blanket, and treats in the safe area.  Ensure protection of your dog’s food from excessive moisture as it may be the sole supply for a number of days depending on the severity of the emergency.  Oftentimes a radio with ambient music provides a calming effect.  Tomlyn’s Relax & Calm chews can support anxiety associated with the storm by being administered before, during, and after the event.”

Essentially, make the situation as normal as possible for your pet and make sure their creature comforts are in the space as well. We hate to think about the worst that could happen, but it is better to be prepared for it anyway.

Holistic Veterinarian, Dr. Judy Morgan, recommends that your pet have a microchip or collar ID. Oftentimes, hanging tags are lost easily, so she recommends flat tags that slip into the collar, like the ones made by Boomerang Tags. Dr. Morgan also says, “Have bottled water and freeze dried or canned food (with a manual can opener) in case you are without power or need to go to a shelter. Have extra supplies of medication that are easy to transport if you need to go to a shelter. I keep a week's worth of medication counted out in the little daily pill holders that people use. I use flower essences and homeopathic drops to ease their anxiety. Lavender essential oil is also very soothing, just put a drop on a blanket or in the area where the pet will be staying.”

Use this checklist to help you begin to prepare your pet and safe room for the next storm or emergency:

• Bottled water
• Manual Can Opener
• One week’s worth of food sealed or closed tightly, preferably freeze dried or canned
• Favorite toys and/or blankets
• Treats
• Lavender Essential Oil
• Relax & Calm Chews
• Radio
• One week’s worth of medication

Before joining the Tomlyn team, Dr. Lowe, was a practicing veterinarian for 18 years with a focus on treating dogs, cats, horses, cows, goats and pigs. He is currently a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and the American Embryo Transfer Association.

Judy Morgan DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT, author of "From Needles to Natural: Learning Holistic Pet Healing", "What's For Dinner Dexter? Cooking For Your Dog Using Chinese Medicine Theory", and "Canine Kitchen Capers: A Humorous Look at Preparing Food for Dogs (& Spouses)"

www.DrJudyMorgan.com