Preparing your pets for disaster and extreme conditions

JACKSON, Tenn. — With extreme heat, it’s important to note: if it’s hot for you, then it’s even hotter for your pets.

Veterinarians recommend to walk dogs early in the morning or after the sun has gone down.

Obstacle courses and other activities can keep pets active indoors.

“If they have to be out; shade, water, check on them frequently, but ideally keep them inside,” said Dr. Sandra Faeh, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Excessive panting with a lot of drool is a sign a dog is suffering from heat stress.

“When it gets more severe, their gums can change color– either pale or super dark, and sometimes vomiting, diarrhea. When it gets really severe they’ll collapse,” Dr. Faeh said.

Cats are a bit different. When they are panting with an open mouth, Dr. Faeh says it’s an emergency, and get them to the vet immediately.

Just like it’s important to have an emergency kit for you, the same goes for your pets!

According to the CDC, in your pet disaster kit, keep important documents such as medical records, most recent test results, emergency contacts, and microchip information.

Essential items like food, water, and medications are important to keep handy in case you have to evacuate quickly.

And finish your kit with other items such as a leash, collar and ID tag, and toys.

While taking proactive steps like providing shade, water, and indoor shelter can protect our pets from summer heatwaves and storms. Sometimes extreme weather events, like the devastating floods in Texas, overwhelm even the best preparations.

“Go early. We rather have you be safe, have a plan,” Dr. Faeh said. “Make sure where you are going is pet friendly ahead of time. Don’t wait until the disaster is upon you.”

Reports indicate that hundreds of animals have been displaced, rescued, or are missing in the recent Texas floods.

PET DISASTER KIT CHECKLIST
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/media/pdfs/disaster-prep-Pet-Emergency-Checklist-1.pdf

PETS IN EVACUATION SHELTERS
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/emergency-preparedness/pets-in-evacuation-centers.html

MORE RESOURCES AND TOOLS FOR PET OWNERS:
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners

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