Tornado Preparation for Pets

May 14th Is Natural Disaster Preparation Day. As those of us in the Midwest are well aware, tornado season is approaching. If there ever was a type of disaster where being prepared can make a huge difference, it’s tornados. If a twister appears on the horizon, and/or you start hearing alarms going off, you may have only minutes to get yourself—and your pets—to safety. A Louisville, KY vet offers some preparation tips below.

Dry Runs 

Figure out in advance where the best spot is for you to go if a tornado approaches. A storm cellar is of course ideal. If you have one, petproof it by securing things like tools and chemicals. Otherwise, the general recommendation is to go into an interior room, such as a bathroom. Get this area prepped in advance. Make a pet emergency kit and keep it in there. If possible, add a sturdy table, something you can slide your pet’s crate under. 

Training

Practice getting your furry friend and into that safe zone. This means knowing their favorite hiding spots, and becoming good at getting them out of it. You’ll also want to work on getting your pet used to getting in and out of the crate. The more familiar this process is, the easier it will be.

Anticipate Hiccups

Consider and address things that could hamper you if a tornado comes your way. For instance, if you have a king-size bed with nothing under it, you’re going to have a hard time getting a kitty out from under it quickly. Any time the weather report shows a chance of storms, bring pets indoors and keep them in spots where you can easily catch them.

Preventative Care

Make sure that your furry friend is up to date on preventative care, such as vaccines and parasite control. We also can’t overstate the importance of microchips and ID tags. These tiny devices could be lifelines if you and your animal friend are ever separated! Remember to keep your contact information up to date in the chipmaker’s database.

After The Storm

Don’t leave your shelter area until the storm has passed. When you do, keep your furry friend crated or leashed. There may be debris that could not only be dangerous, but will also mask landmarks.

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your local Louisville, KY animal clinic, today!