June is Pet Preparedness Month. Being prepared for emergencies is on a lot of people’s minds these days. The coronavirus pandemic may be the biggest threat we’re facing currently, but it’s also important to be ready for things like floods, fires, hurricanes, and other disasters. This is one area where it’s definitely better to be safe than sorry! Read on as an Aurora, CO vet offers some advice on getting your beloved pet ready for disasters.
Stored Goods
It’s a good idea to have an emergency bag ready for your pet. You’ll want to pack at least a weeks’ worth of food, medicine, water, and treats. If you have a smaller pet, add substrate as well. Other things to include are toys, beds, dishes, a leash and collar, a tie-out line (for dogs), towels, a pet first-aid kit, and a few pet first-aid brochures. Keep these things in or near your pet’s carrier, in a spot that you can reach it easily.
Preventative Care
Wellness care is always important, but it also helps keep your pet safe during emergencies. If your dog or cat has a run-in with a wild animal, the last thing you want to have to worry about is rabies. Plus, keeping up with parasite control will protect your furry friend from fleas, ticks, and worms … none of which are things you want to deal with in an emergency. Keep copies of your pet’s paperwork, as this may be required if you go to a shelter. (Tip: take photos of them with your phone, or keep some in your glove box.)
ID
Make sure that your pet has been microchipped and is wearing proper ID tags. If your pet has been microchipped, make sure that your records are correct. The chip will be useless if your information is outdated or missing! Try using the AAHA Pet Microchip lookup here to check your records.
Planning
Part of being prepared entails just having a plan. Talk to your family, and make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency situation. You may want to have one person in charge of the family pet, if possible. It’s also a good idea to have list of all pet-friendly shelters within a few hours’ drive of you.
Please contact us, your local Aurora, CO vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
