HOW
TO HELP YOUR DOG THROUGH A HURRICANE
This information provided courtesy of SOUTH DADE KENNEL CLUB, INC.
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I. Be Prepared
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1. If you plan to take your family to a shelter during
a hurricane, make reservations at a kennel or with your vet NOW!!!
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2. Buy an extra month's supply of pet food and store
it in a watertight container or in a heavy plastic bag.
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3. Have a two week supply of clean water for your pet.
Large dogs need 1/2 gallon per day. A two week supply would be 7 gallons.
You can store the water in a clean 30 gallon plastic garbage can with a
proper fitting lid.
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4. Don't let your dogs drink water from your swimming
pool after the storm. Debris may have fallen into the water and could poison
your pet.
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5. Clorox may be used for cleaning and purifying water
by adding 8 drops per gallon of water. Let mixture sit 12 hours. An eye
dropper may be used to measure Clorox.
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6. Keep a good supply of newspapers in the event your
fencing is down and your pet needs to relieve itself in the confines of
your home.
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7. Have your vet's name and phone number on your refrigerator
or some place handy and dry for quick reference in the event you need their
assistance, or if something should happen to you, others will know who
to call.
II. Survival Hints
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1. Make a "Hurricane Collar" to put on your dog. This
is to identify pet and owner. The collar should include the following information:
a. An ID tag with your name and phone number (including area code) b. The
rabies tag may be obtained from your vet with his name on it c. A Dade
county license tag
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If the phone lines are down, this will give the person
who finds your pet three places to contact in trying to reunite pet and
owner.
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2. During the storm, always keep a leash near your dog
in case you have to leave quickly.
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3. During the storm, keep your dog in a wire crate, if
possible. This will help protect him from falling debris and make him feel
secure. Even if your dog cries, don't take him out during the storm. He
may run away because he is afraid. Talk to your dog to keep him calm.
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4. After the storm walk your dog on a leash. Don't turn
him loose. If it's a wet storm, there may be a problem with snakes, loose,
hostile animals or fallen live utility wires. Also watch out for broken
glass, roofing nails and any other injury-threatening conditions.
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5. Stay away from fallen or broken trees, which may have
wood ticks in them.
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6. During the storm, changes in pressure may hurt your
animal's ears and the noise may frighten them. Provide them with reassurance.
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7. After the storm do not expose your dog to extreme
heat or sunlight. Provide shade, as he may become severely dehydrated or
sunburned.
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8. If possible, don't use plastic airline animal transport
crates because they heat up easily and are not well ventilated. Several
dogs died after Hurricane Andrew because they were housed this way. Use
wire mesh crates, which are well ventilated and sturdy.
III. Medical Needs
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1. Make certain all your pets are current on ALL their
vaccines, particularly rabies.
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2. Have a 1 to 2 month supply of their heart worm medication
and any other medication they require.
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3. Have a First Aid Kit containing:
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Betadyne solution
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2" Ace Bandage
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Hydrogen Peroxide
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Scissors
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Gauze Squares (sterile)
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Flash Light (and batteries)
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Cloth Adhesive Tape (1/2" & 1" widths)
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(This kit is good for pet owners as well!)
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