Preparing Your Pets for Hurricane Season: Essential Tips

According to the ASPCA, an estimated 30% of pet owners leave their pets behind during natural disasters. Many cite a lack of preparation or uncertainty about where to take them. We are here to help change that.

When preparing for hurricane season, it’s easy to focus on stocking up on water, flashlights, and sandbags. However, don’t forget about your four-legged family members! Pets depend on us for their safety. Just like the rest of your household, they need a plan when severe weather strikes. Here are our top tips for how to prepare your pet for hurricane season so you’re not caught off-guard when the storms hit:

1. Create a Pet Emergency Kit

Your pet’s emergency kit should be ready to grab at a moment’s notice. Each kit should include:

• At least a 3-5 days’ supply of food and water

• Portable food and water bowls

• Medications (with dosage and instructions)

• A collar or harness with your pet’s ID tag attached

• A leash and/or pet carrier (depending on the size of your pet)

• Litter and a litter box (for cats)

• Waste bags or puppy pads

• Copies of your pet’s medical records and current vaccination info

• A first aid kit with pet-safe products (for a list, visit AAHA)

• A recent photo of your pet (in case you get separated)

• Comfort items like a blanket or toy

  
  

2. Include Your Pet in Your Evacuation Plan

Never leave your pet behind during an evacuation. Before the storm hits, research local emergency shelters and hotels that are pet-friendly. Not all are! If your evacuation plan includes staying with family or friends, confirm that your pet is welcome. Alternatively, make arrangements for a neighbor, friend, or relative to care for or evacuate your pet if you’re unable to do so. If you need to evacuate, it’s wise to crate or leash your pets to ensure they stay safe during transportation.

3. Microchip and ID Your Pet

If your pet gets lost during a storm, a microchip and up-to-date ID tags are the best way to reunite you. When prepping for a hurricane, ensure your contact information is current on your pet’s microchip registration. Need a reminder of what company your pet’s microchip is registered with? Enter their microchip number into the AAHA Microchip Look-up Tool or have us scan your pet’s chip at their next visit!

4. Keep Vaccines and Records Current

Most pet-friendly emergency shelters or boarding facilities require current vaccines and medical documentation. Be sure to update your pet’s vaccines well before the storm hits. Don’t forget to request a copy of their records to keep in your emergency kit!

5. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Storm paths can shift quickly, and supply chains often get strained. Stocking up early on pet food, litter, and medications can make a huge difference when the first storm of the season arrives. Additionally, keep your pet’s crate or carrier nearby and accessible in case a quick evacuation is needed. If your pet is not currently comfortable with their crate or carrier, now is a great time to start crate-training. A familiar crate can feel like a safe place during a scary event like hurricanes!

6. Remember We’re Here to Help!

As soon as hurricanes become threats, we do our best to provide you with the most up-to-date information on how it affects our area and the pet owners that reside here. If you need help putting together your pet’s emergency kit, updating your pet’s vaccines, scanning your pet’s microchip, or any other pet-related hurricane prep, we’re just a call away. Let’s work together to keep your entire family—pets included—safe this hurricane season.

For more information on general emergency preparedness during hurricane season, visit Ready.gov.

Need to update your pet's vaccines or wellness services? Schedule an appointment with us:

Book @ NAH - 39th Ave.

Book @ NAH - Main Street (Gainesville)

Book @ NAH - Newberry

Book @ NAH - Springhill

Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language for Dog Bite Prevention Week

Have you ever wished you could talk to your dog? When you look at them, do you wonder if their wagging tail and bright eyes mean happiness? Or do you think they might feel stressed when seeing a squirrel outside? Understanding your dog's body language is key. It can reveal how they feel at any given moment. By analyzing their behavior, you can identify when they may feel uncomfortable, especially in stressful situations. In honor of Dog Bite Prevention Week (April 13th-19th), we are here to help you interpret your dog’s body language. Recognizing signs of fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) can be crucial.

The Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) Scale

The Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) Scale helps pet owners understand their dog's emotional state. It shows how body language can shift from comfort to potential aggression. At Newberry Animal Hospital, we utilize this tool to make vet visits more enjoyable for dogs. However, this scale is beneficial for pet owners in various situations. Below is the FAS Scale for dogs:

Familiarizing yourself with the FAS Scale will help reduce general fear and anxiety in your dog. Knowing which signs indicate stress can be invaluable. In urgent situations, early intervention can prevent a snap, bite, or escape.

Tips to Prepare for Vet Visits

If your pet struggles with anxiety related to vet visits, there are effective strategies to ease their stress. For starters, acclimating your dog to car rides can be very helpful. Make car rides a positive experience by rewarding your dog with praise and treats while the car is stationary and when it's moving. This association can help make future car rides less daunting.

Using a Carrier: If your dog needs to travel in a carrier, keep it open at home, and fill it with treats. This will help create a positive environment for your dog. Over time, they will view the carrier as just another part of their home rather than a place of fear.

Happy Visits: If your dog tends to stress only during vet visits, consider ‘happy visits.’ These visits entail bringing your dog to the clinic outside of regular appointment times. They can simply step inside to get treats, weigh in, or just play without any medical services being provided. Happy visits can lower the stakes of typical vet visits and help create a positive association with the clinic. Over time, your pup is likely to feel more relaxed when medical care is necessary.

More Techniques to Alleviate Stress at the Vet

Here are some additional tips for reducing stress during vet visits:

• Familiar Items: Bring your dog’s favorite toy or other familiar items to help ease their nerves.

• Positive Reinforcement: Allow your dog to play and receive treats throughout their appointment. This builds a positive relationship with our staff.

• Check-In from Your Car: If possible, check in for your appointment from your car. This can help avoid stressful interactions in the lobby.

• Pre-Medication: Consult with your vet about pre-medicating your dog with anti-anxiety medication before the visit. This can help them feel more comfortable in stressful situations.

  
  

Every pet’s behavioral journey is unique. It’s essential to remember that not every dog responds to stress in the same way, and that’s completely fine! Understanding your pet’s place on the FAS scale is crucial. We can work together to turn your dog’s fears into a lifetime of tail wags.

To alleviate your pet's stress, give us a call or schedule an appointment at any of our locations. We are here to support you and your furry friends.

Book an Appointment @ 39th Ave

Book an appointment @ Newberry

Book an appointment @ Main St. Gainesville

Book an appointment @ Springhill

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