Quick thoughts regarding our pet-pals in these matters. Be extra careful, because veterinary care might be especially difficult to find after a storm. Speaking of which, if evacuating, then have copies of your pets' SHOT RECORDS. Kennels and boarding facilities will want to see them. This one got us when we ran from Frances. Further, go ahead and collar/tag the dogs and cats, even if inside-only pets. Storms have a way of changing things.
The bunker-effect. If your home is boarded-up to where you have no outside view, then that can be rough on birds and cats. Try to provide at least one spot after the storm where light, fresh air and a view are to be had. Dogs are better in this situation, as you walk them, anyways. Speaking of "walkies", really check out your walk areas first. There might be debris that can hurt the dogs' feet or maybe some things that the dog might eat or sniff that could be harmful. Seriously, who can guess what a dog might swallow, plus what gets on the paws get licked eventually. How about that 50lb bag of rat poison in your neighbors' tool shed that is now blown to bits? Is your back yard now powdery white? Check it out.
Fish owners - do you have provision for cleaning/replacing tank water and keeping the oxygen supply good? Pet food should be stocked (duh), but don't forget the cat litter and any medications. Speaking of pills, we got some pills from the vet to "calm" the cats during the storm. Big difference than during Charley without the pills.
Don't forget flea, tick and pest control products, as after the storm there might be "blooms" of pest populations. Plus, the bugs, too, have been displaced and will be seeking new digs. Never use DOG flea products on your CAT. The cat's skin is different, and very sensitive. No, it's not "all the same". Tell that bigmouthed "expert" we all know to call a veterinarian and find out the truth. Don't make a cat pay the price.
Handling pets. During the stress of a storm, a dog or cat might not be as cuddly as before. They might bite or scratch. You might want to crate or leash your pets, which makes sense anyways, as if your home gets new openings, then the pet might bug out on you and be gone. Secure them during preparations, too, as during the running in and out, they might slip out through an unattended door and disappear. Also, you might trip over them and injure them or yourself at the worst possible time.
Pets often key on the mood of the owners. If you get all freaked-out before and during a storm, then Fluffy or Bowser might be stressing more, too. Stock yourself some extra patience, as the dog or cat might have some "accidents" during this time. They might also bark or meow more than usual. Don't punish them for reacting to stressful conditions.
After a storm, try and keep an eye out for roaming pets. Use caution in approaching them, as even a neighbors' dog that "knows you" might be unpredictable. Maybe throw them a snack to delay them or try and close them inside of your fenced yard and go to the neighbor and get them to come back with you.
Every neighborhood has an idiot who neglects their animals and might actually be leaving them exposed to approaching danger. Find a way to remind them or even call the authorities if time permits. I would even volunteer the use of our garage if they were so resistant to housing their own animals. It's about the animals' welfare at that point. During one storm, a neighbor's kitty was outside, and no sign of the owners. We were on a "head scratching" basis with the cat, so we put him in the garage until after the storm.
NEW STUFF: For each of our three cats, I have made "Evac Kits" in case we take the show on the road. In each kit: Folding black-wire metal "pet crate" from WalMart (not the smallest, next up, I think) - a perfect size for cats, it provides containment, "some" moving around room, and space for litterpan, food/water dishes and a cushion. It has a plastic floor that slides out and a very secure door; Padded seat cushion with the chair-tie straps removed - perfect kitty bed; plastic food and water dishes (small), and a small litter pan. We also keep shot record copies with the kits, in zip-lock type bags. The best thing with these kits is that in a way you are taking your boarding facilities with you. My plan for REALLY roughing it, say being in a tent for a few days, would be to keep the "kids" in their crates inside our roomy tent, and then make an outside "kennel" with scrap wood and my trusty roll of screen and heavy duty staple-gun. This way, we can give them some supervised exercise and fresh air. Another plus with these crates is that they fold flat (I also kept their boxes) and are easy to pack and transport (cats ride in pet-taxis while in vehicles). You can find super deals on taxis and crates at yard sales. Clean 'em out with a water/bleach mixture and rinse well before using, just in case!
Our furry friends need us in all kind of weather!
(original content, not from any copyrighted source)
