Hurricanes, storms, and natural disasters are scary, but you can protect your household with a few simple steps.
While you may be familiar with disaster protocols for the human members of your family, do you know what hurricane preparedness looks like for your dog?
The expert staff at Top Dog has some key tips to make sure you and your furry friend are ready should disaster strike.
Top Dog Training and Resort is your premier resource for dog training in NC. At our state-of-the-art dog day training center, we offer three signature board dog training programs, as well as grooming and dog daycare with training.
Simply put, we are your local dog experts and the best dog trainers near me!
What to Do Before a Natural Disaster
It’s important to create a disaster plan before a hurricane occurs. In the same way that you put together a disaster kit for yourself, you should prepare a disaster kit for your dog.
A dog disaster kit should include:
- Food
- Water and a water bowl
- A backup collar
- A leash
- A dog brush
- Any medications your dog takes
- A toy and blanket to provide comfort
- A carrier (if appropriate for the breed)
You should also make sure that your dog is microchipped and that they are wearing a collar with ID tags. Ensure that your contact information on the tags is up-to-date, including your cell phone number.
That way, if you and your dog become separated, you will greatly increase your chances of being reunited.
If you live in an area where evacuation is a real possibility, you will need to make plans for your pet. If it’s not safe for you to stay at home, it won’t be safe for your dog, but not every shelter is prepared to take pets.
Start by calling your local office of emergency management to see whether any disaster shelter will allow pets. You may also want to reach out to friends and family who don’t live in the danger zone.
You should also contact hotels and motels outside of your immediate area to see if they accept pets and inquire about restrictions on the number, size, or species.
Even if a lodging option does not normally accept pets, they may be willing to waive certain restrictions in the event of an emergency.
Finally, reach out to veterinarians and board dog training facilities. While it’s ideal for you to stay with your pet, if it’s not possible, these experts will take good care of your dog.
Many veterinarians and board dog training facilities have twenty-four-hour numbers, so they are great resources if a natural disaster takes you by surprise.
When it’s time to evacuate, leave as soon as you get the news. High winds, thunder, and smoke can distress dogs, and it will be more difficult to get them to leave if the conditions are already severe.
Shelter-in-Place Tips
If you opt to stay home during a major storm or hurricane, there are a few steps you can take to keep your dog safe and calm.
First, bring your dog inside as soon as you learn that a storm is on the way. Make sure that your dog has a leash, collar, and ID tags.
Then, identify the safest area of your home where you, your family, and your pets can all stay together. Move all of your emergency supplies into that area, including your dog’s bed or crate, food, water, medications, and a toy or two.
Keep up to date with official regulations, and don’t leave your shelter-in-place until it is safe.
Dog Training After a Natural Disaster
Even after the immediate threat of a storm has passed, your dog will still need special care. Their familiar environment may not look the same, and they may experience stress and fear.
After a hurricane, don’t let your dog run loose. Keeping your dog on a leash is the best way to keep them safe.
There may be property damage that you are unaware of, and the landmarks and smells they are used to might be gone. You should also check your property to make sure that no wild animals have moved in, especially if you experienced flooding.
As soon as possible, re-establish your dog’s normal routines. These routines will provide comfort and make it easier for them to adjust back to daily life.
However, after a traumatic situation like a natural disaster, it’s possible that your dog will exhibit behavioral changes and require dog training. Don’t panic; be patient with your pet and call Top Dog.
Top Dog: Your Dog Daycare with Training
Top Dog is the number one dog trainer near me. We take a comprehensive approach to dog training that accounts for your dog’s individual needs and keeps them engaged throughout.
At our dog day training center, we let our students learn how to behave in a wide variety of settings, including one-on-one, small group, outdoor, and public classrooms.
We believe in our dog training so much that we offer free lifetime follow-up lessons. After your dog completes one of our board dog training programs, they will receive one-on-one dog training whenever they need a refresher–at no extra cost.
Contact us today to experience the best dog training in NC!
