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Many people put comprehensive plans in place to care for their families in the event of a hurricane. While preparations include stocking up on provisions for people, you should also cover the needs of pets. The veterinary care team from Lillian Veterinary Hospital in Baldwin County, AL, recommends staying prepared this hurricane season by following a few practical tips.

A Veterinary Care Team’s Guide to Hurricane Pet Preparedness

Which Supplies Should I Stock Up on?

It’s impossible to predict the impact a severe storm could have on an area. In disastrous circumstances, power outages and downed trees can make roads impassable for days. Thus, pet owners should ensure they have an ample supply of the medications and food their pet needs to stay safe and healthy. Aim to keep at least a month’s supply on hand at all times. This will prevent your pet from having to go without medicine, even if conditions require you to delay veterinary care visits temporarily. You should also have extra flea and heartworm preventatives to avoid any interruptions in protection.

What Should I Do to Ensure My Pet Is Prepared?

veterinary careA staggering number of pets go missing during hurricanes. After Hurricane Harvey, a single shelter in Katy, TX, received nearly 2,000 displaced animals. While no one wants to think about worst-case scenarios, preparing your pet with proper identification will boost their odds of making a safe return if they get out. In addition to equipping pets with ID tags featuring up-to-date contact information, get your animal microchipped if they haven’t been already. Veterinary care offices and shelters check animals for microchips when they are turned in, so this is your best line of defense for a safe return.

Also, have plans in place for getting through disastrous weather. If the pet experiences anxiety during storms, talk to the vet about anti-anxiety medications or other coping mechanisms. Lastly, develop an evacuation plan. Sadly, many families put themselves and their animals in danger because they don’t have a place to go where pets are accepted. If you can’t bring an animal with you during an evacuation, make pet boarding arrangements as soon as possible to keep all your family members safe.

Lillian Veterinary Hospital has the supplies and services owners need to keep their pets safe in any circumstance. They also offer pet boarding during hurricanes, allowing owners to make any arrangements necessary. Learn more about their veterinary care services online or call (251) 962-2304 to schedule an appointment.

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