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Hurricane season is among us and the first reaction is to load up on supplies in case we have a pending warning of such a nasty storm. But we usually think of our families protection first and quite often neglect the pets in our household. Pets are our family members also and we need to think of them in case of an impending storm.
While you are making the necessary list of items to stock up on, add these items to the list for your pet. You want to keep them separate of the food containers that you use, especially for drinking water.
Get some old plastic gallon milk jugs and fill them with water for your pet in case you lose electricity or your pump goes out. Make sure it is enough to last at least a week in case something unfortunate happens and you are without service and the most drastic case, a home.
Second, make sure you fill up a plastic garbage can (new please) with dry dog food. If your dog eats canned food, make sure you have at least 2 cans per day, so plan on around 14 cans. Also include a hand held can-opener to open them. Make sure the lid fits tightly on the garbage can and it is water proof, you might want to put a liner in it to keep out moisture and water. Put in a high place in case of flooding. Food that is water damaged can grow bacteria which could cause major illness.
Third, Make sure that during the storm, whether severe or not, that your dog is inside and not tied up. Should something happen and your in a panic, you won't have time to untangle the leash or chain after your dog knotted it by jumping around from the excitement.
Fourth, If your dog takes any medication on a regular basis, make sure it is a tightly sealed plastic bag and in your possesion on you physically. Not on the counter in case you and your pet have to make a quick exit, you won't forget it. Make sure you have your address book with the Veterinarian's phone number in case you need to call away from home.
Fifth, Shelters do not allow animals. If you have an animal, it would be a good thing to leave it in the house, but in the center of a room such as the bathroom. This way they cannot run around and cause harm to themselves should they get nervous and start jumping at the window, this could cause the window to break, not only harming your pet, but making matters worse for your furnishings left there. Make sure you leave them plenty of food and water, since you have no idea when the shelter will let you leave.
Sixth, Pray for the best outcome, for our pets are our loved ones too, and they will be just as scared through all of this!
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