DEAR PET TALK: Parts of the country are having extreme weather events, like hurricanes and floods. I worry about having to leave quickly with my pet. What should I bring? -Weather Channel Watcher
DEAR WEATHER CHANNEL WATCHER: The coastal floods have been very distressing and there is no predicting the scale and severity of catastrophic weather events. However, the Central Massachusetts Disaster Animal Response Team has thought deeply about these issues, and this nonprofit organization has suggestions:
Keep in a plastic ziploc bag the following: print-outs of vet name and phone, pet records, and contact information; photo of your pet with you (to establish ownership), inoculation history, rabies certificate, microchip number.
Emergency supplies should include: food for three days, including feeding information. According to CMDART, “sudden changes in your pet’s diet can lead to diarrhea, it’s best to pack your pet’s regular food,” also supplies such as dishes (food and water), canned food, bowls, hand sanitizer, extra leash and collar, plus blanket and towel.
If you have a smaller pet, bring a crate or carrier. Make sure your pet can stand, sit, and turn around in this. Familiar bedding, favorite toys, and newspaper to line the carrier (in case of cold). With cats, a disposable litter box or two. Pack hand-sanitizer, wet wipes, paper towels, poop and rubbish bags, and rubber gloves, in case of unexpected accidents.
Some dogs may be alarmed, in which case pack a muzzle along with collar and leash and a “thundershirt” can be helpful for calming purposes. A good first-aid kit should include the standard medical items such as bandages, gauze, tape, and antibiotic ointment.Add a water bottle for flushing wounds and a flashlight, and you’re set to help others.
For more guidance, visit CMDART.org, Thanks to Central Massachusetts Disaster Animal Response Team’s website, an excellent resource on this topic: www.cmdart.org.
Sally Cragin is the director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education. Text questions to 978-320-1335
