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By Juliana Weiss-Roessler<\/p>\n
When a natural disaster strikes, your emergency plan can help keep your family safe \u2014 but does your plan include your dog? It\u2019s just as important to consider her special needs in advance as it is those of the rest of your family.<\/p>\n
You may not be able to predict the specific circumstances of the disaster or know how long you may have to evacuate, but by creating a general dog emergency plan, you will have precautions in place that help you react in a way that best protects your pup.<\/p>\n
ID your dog<\/strong> Get a Rescue Alert sticker<\/strong> Bring your dog inside<\/strong> Keep them separated<\/strong> Take your dog with you<\/strong> Create a pet emergency kit<\/strong> Talk to neighbors<\/strong> Learn about potential catastrophes for your area<\/strong> Original article can be found here:\u00a0https:\/\/www.cesarsway.com\/dog-care\/first-aid\/have-a-plan-for-your-dogs<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Before disaster strikes: Have a plan for your dogs By Juliana Weiss-Roessler When a natural disaster strikes, your emergency plan can help keep your family safe \u2014 but does your plan include your dog? It\u2019s just as important to consider … Continue reading
\nThis is probably the most important tip on the list. Why? Because there are a number of reasons why you might be separated from your dog during a disaster. Proper identification can make a big difference in reuniting you. Your dog should always have on a tag with your current contact information as well as a\u00a0microchip<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nThe ASPCA provides them\u00a0for free<\/a>\u00a0if you fill out their\u00a0form<\/a>. By placing them in a spot that\u2019s visible to rescue workers, you\u2019re letting them know to look out for your animals in case you\u2019re not at home (or able to return to your home) when disaster strikes.<\/p>\n
\nRemember, animals often pick up on the signs of an\u00a0impending disaster<\/a>\u00a0naturally \u2014 without the help of their local weather station. So, for instance, your dog may already sense that a hurricane is on the way long before you see any signs. And if he does, he may panic and run away or display other uncharacteristic or dangerous behaviors. You can help keep him safe by keeping him indoors.<\/p>\n
\nIf possible, separate your dogs from any other animals in the home, such as cats or small pets, even if they normally get along. The impending natural disaster may significantly change your dog\u2019s behavior and could endanger other animals in the home. Crates and carriers work well for this purpose, particularly if you all have to be in a small area together for safety reasons.<\/p>\n
\nDon\u2019t leave your pup behind if an evacuation is needed. If it\u2019s not safe for you, and it\u2019s not safe for your dog. Unfortunately,\u00a0Red Cross disaster shelters<\/a>\u00a0don\u2019t accept animals (unless it\u2019s a service animal), so if that\u2019s where you plan to go, you\u2019ll have to make alternate plans for your dog. Talk to your veterinarian, animal control, or local animal shelters for other options, and also look to\u00a0pet-friendly hotels<\/a>\u00a0or friends and family.<\/p>\n
\nIt doesn\u2019t need to be fancy, but it should be easy to grab and take with you. Some items you should include are:<\/p>\n\n
\nAs part of your preparedness plan for your dog, designate someone who is willing and able to help your dog if you are unable to because you\u2019re out of the house when disaster strikes. This caretaker should be nearby, have a key to your home, and, ideally, be someone familiar to your dog. It\u2019s also good to find someone who is home during the day if you are usually away at work.<\/p>\n
\nDifferent types of natural disasters require different precautions. For example,\u00a0in a flood<\/a>, you want to be at the highest location in your home, but\u00a0for a tornado<\/a>, a windowless room on the ground floor is safest. Find out what\u2019s best for disasters that are most likely to strike your area, and ensure all family members \u2014 even your canine ones \u2014 follow those guidelines.<\/p>\n