In an evacuation situation, it’s as important to prepare a survival plan for your pet just as it is for any other family member.
Domesticated animals will struggle if left to fend for themselves. Studies show that only 33% of captive bred animals survive when released into the wild.
Having an emergency plan for your pet ahead of time is important because most pets are not allowed to stay in public areas or other safety areas where food is served.
1) How to prepare your pet for an emergency situation
Micro-chipping your pet
Permanent and unadulterated identification of pets can be challenging. While identification tags come in handy, they are not effective when an animal gets lost. Microchipping, on the other hand, increases the chances of reuniting with your animal friends a hundredfold.
The implantable microchips are fitted on the animal’s subcutaneous tissues and activated using a low-power radiofrequency signal emitted through scanners. Microchipping provides a more reliable and less painful method of permanent animal identification compared to other identification methods.
Wearing tags and collars
Ensure they have updated information including your residence or other identification that will make it easy to trace your pet.Be sure to have the most recent picture of your pet in case you need to identify it post-evacuation. The photo should capture all the defining features of the pet.
Prepare pet equipment
If planning to bring your pet to the safety area, prepare the equipment for the pet to ride in. the carriers should be clean, pet seatbelts functional and harnesses in top-notch condition. Homeowners keeping cats and dogs should have separate carriers for the different pets.
Training essential for survival
You also need to train your dog basic obedience cues. Embark on a dog training program to help him keep up with essential obedience etiquette. You can enlist the help of a dog trainer or look for a dog training program to help you.
Start off with basic commands like sit, lie down and stay. Also train him to come when called and where to hide when scared or stressed.
Cat owners should train them how to take cover when needed. Since cats are fond of hiding you need to teach it how to run or walk to its carrier, sturdy box or other area that will help them get out of harm’s way.
Be sure to make sure that your pet is obedient to everyone in your household so that they can keep themselves safe no matter who they are with.
Get the Vaccinations up to Date
During disasters dogs are prone to specific diseases caused by the changing dynamics that occur between the free-roaming dog population, the environment and humans. For domesticated animals, the sudden disruption of territories and social hierarchies can be extremely stressful for dogs, leading to reduced immunity. Having your canine friend immunized beforehand increases his survival rate and ability to contract zoonotic diseases.
Desensitize the Dog to Loud Noises
Noise-phobic dogs are known to react to gunshots, firecrackers, wood chopping cap guns and other loud noises.
There are two ways to modify the behavior of a dog when it comes to loud noise: counter-conditioning and desensitization.
Desensitization involves using creating artificial, controllable disaster situations using strobe lights, recordings of thunder and stereo equipment to cause the dog to react fearfully. Other items you can use to desensitize your pet include:
- Air horns, whistles and sirens
- Fireworks that emulate explosives
- Cars and traffic noises
- Wild animal sounds
- Flapping clothing and tarps
- Snapping branches
As soon as the dog begins to react fearfully, turn off the devices to avoid evoking a full fear response. Once the dog resumes a normal state, play the sound again while increasing the volume steadily. Give them treats to make him think that good things happen even when there are thunderstorm noises.
Look out for reactions such as pacing, panting, clinging and other fearful reactions. If it happens you can turn off the volume or wait to see if the dog will get accustomed to that level of intensity.
2) Packing a Bug out Bag for your pet
You don’t know how long you will be away from home and extent of damage on your property. As such, you need to carry a survival kit that will keep your dog comfortable even when away from home.
Here are tips to help you choose the ideal bag for your pet:
Zippered storage
Some dog bags have an open design that leaves everything in the open with nothing to secure the items. It makes carrying dog supplies a little difficult especially if you are carrying medication, food supplies, water and other delicate items. As such, you want to look for a bag equipped with zippered storage compartments or elastics to keep the supplies in place.
Compartments
The bag should be divided into compartments to allow you to separate food, medicine, toys, collars and other dog items you need to carry. They also keep your bag organized.
Waterproof Feature
In case, you are anticipating a flood, look for a dog bag with waterproof compartments. It keeps all dog supplies dry.
Carrying Capacity
Look for a bag that fits all dog supplies without appearing too bulky to carry.
Food
You need to pack more than two weeks worth of dry food. Be sure to store the food in a cool, dry environment (usually under 38 degrees Celsius) to prevent the oxidation of fats and destruction of vitamins.
Pet foods retain flavor when stored in their original bags. Most of them come packed in soft bags which help retain their original temperature and act as a fat barrier.
Storage at 48 degrees Celsius for more than 48 hours accelerates the degradation of vitamins. Also the bags should be stored off the floor to avoid infestation. Alternatively, use zip-to-close bags as they help prevent fat from accumulating on the outside.
Medication
You also need to carry 3 months worth of any medication or supplements your dog needs. Be sure to carry oral medication as it can be stored for a long time. Also carry special sprays to kill gingivitis for pets. A supply of tick and flea treatments should come in handy to keep protect against infestation.
Collapsible food and water bowls
Most travel bags are packed along with food and water bowls to use when traveling. However, since such items are bulky and make it difficult to store, consider buying collapsible bowls.
Blanket and clothing
Dogs love comfort even in the most unpleasant situations. As such, you want to consider carrying a blanket. You can use it to cover your pet to keep him warm, cover the carrier or as a dog bed. Consider carrying pet clothing including shoes to protect the dog’s feet from getting hardened if you are traveling long distances.
Spare leads and body harnesses
Any dog owner should have some spare body harnesses and leads. A dog harness is especially helpful is your dog is extremely aggressive when left in the care of another person.
Tick and flea medication
Consider leaving tick and flea medication for your pet. It not only eliminates a pet’s itchy fleas but also prevents allergic reactions. the medication also prevents ticks, tapeworms, and other insects from biting your pet.
Pet shampoo/other hygiene products
It is important to keep your pet clean even when in the care of another person. You may leave some instructions to guide the caregiver on how to clean your pet especially if he has a sensitive coat.
3) Keeping your pet safe when in the wild
Natural disasters can lead to the transmission of diseases. When pets are exposed to inclement weather conditions they are likely to contract illnesses such as:
Rabies
The disease affects the nervous system and is transmitted through bites. Pet owners need to report any bites to the medical personnel immediately. Also, keeping the pet in the carrier or on a leash should keep your pet protected from such diseases.
Leptospirosis
The bacterial disease affects the urine of infected animals. It is transmitted through contact with infected urine, contaminated soil, food and water. As such, pet owners should be careful to wash their hands after coming into contact with urine. Also, pets should avoid drinking stagnant water.
Infections spread by ticks, mosquitoes and fleas
They the most common pests following a disaster situation and are known to spread diseases such as Lyme disease, and West Nile virus.
Pet owners can keep themselves and their pets healthy in the wild by:
- Washing hands after handling their pet
- Disinfecting litterboxes and cages
- Preventing pets from playing or drinking contaminated water
- Reporting bite wounds to medical personnel or the rescue team
- Keeping your pet from licking your hands or face
Handling Injured Animals
Carry an emergency kit ahead of time. Basic first aid and disease control for pets include:
- Medication, medical records and vaccination for rabies and other diseases
- The dog’s medical history and prescription medication if any
- Your contact information and that of a friend, neighbor or close relative
- Hypoallergenic tape
- Sterile eye wash
- Triple antibacterial ointment
- Petroleum jelly like Vaseline
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton swabs
- Scissors that have blunt tips
- Thermometer for taking the rectal temperature
- Ace bandages
- Foaming sanitizer
- Antihistamine spray
- Pepto bismol dry tabs
- Kaopectate tabs
In case your pet gets injured you need to:
- Assess the animal’s wounds to determine if it needs medical care
- Alert the rescue team if he needs medical attention
- If the rescue team is out of reach, take out the emergency kit and perform first aid
- Avoid hugging the pets because pets can bite or scratch when injured
- Keep your face away from its mouth because pain and fear can make animals dangerous and unpredictable
- Also, if the pet becomes agitated wait for a while and attend to him when he is calm
Whether you are planning to take the pet with you or leave him at a shelter, make sure you have a backup plan. You can talk to family, friends and neighbors about what they are planning to do with their pets and find out if you can help each other with the evacuation.
Some disasters make it impossible to get home to evacuate hence the need to have a designated caregiver who is willing and comfortable about taking care of your pet. In such a scenario you need to prepare a document of how to take care of the pet beforehand.
Animals are accustomed to routine and the closer the caregiver sticks to the routine the less likely they are to notice your absence.