Prepare Your Dog for Hurricane Season

While hurricane season has just begun, already the Texas Gulf Coast has been slammed with storms. While many have taken the time to prepare themselves and their homes for a hurricane, some have not thought about how to prepare their pets for emergency situations.

As a Florida resident, Kathy Santo has weathered many hurricanes. Santo, a dog trainer for more than 20 years, advises pet owners that a hurricane can be an unbelievably traumatic event for our four-legged family members.

Santos offers tips to make an emergency transition smoother for you and your pet.

1. Have a Pet Survival Kit Packed and Ready.

The kit should include a two-week supply of dry food and medication, water, bags to pick up after your dog, and cleaning supplies in case of an accident. Be sure to include leashes, bowls, your dog’s favorite blanket and toys, a waterproof-sealed picture of your pet.

Santo also advised including up-to-date medical records, a photocopy of all tags, microchip information, and a list of emergency phone numbers.

2. Before the threat of a hurricane, research which hotels in and out of your area will accept pets. Store this information in or near your Pet Survival Kit. No hotels in Johns Creek accept pets. Check to be see if those rules might be relaxed in emergency situations.

3. Make sure pets have all the necessary training to be a well-behaved companion.

Solid come, stay and heel commands are essential for keeping your pets safe in unfamiliar circumstances.

4. Teach a pet dog adventure.

"Now is the time to teach your dog that it’s fun to travel and visit strange new places. A dog who is used to adventures will be far less stressed than one who never leaves his home or yard except for yearly vet visits,” said Santo.