Hurricane Preparedness for Your Pets

With hurricane season in full swing, many are wondering if we will be hit again by another Irma or Michael this year. While many people speculate about the excessively warm water and worry about tropical storms and hurricane risks, it’s imperative to have a plan and those plans must include preparations for your pets.

Having a bag packed for your furry family members is the first step. Don’t wait until the dangers of a storm are looming, do it now. This way you won’t have to worry about it when the eleventh hour strikes and you find yourself overwhelmed with anxiety and risk forgetting essential items like medications, food, and water.

Some of you may already have a pet first aid kit in your home and/or car. If you don’t have one yet, it is a great idea to have one handy for hurricane season. Fill it with essentials that will allow you to care your pet’s injuries until you can seek medical attention for them. Bandage supplies, antiseptic wipes, tongue depressors, and Benadryl are just a few of the items that would be helpful to have stocked in your pet first aid kit.

If you are forced to leave your home, don’t forget to make arrangements for your pets. Start planning now by making a list of some hotels and shelters that are pet friends if the need arises for you to leave your home. Connect with your neighbors, local family, and friends and set up a communication plan, so if someone in your network is in need, your group can pull together to help them out.

Essential Items for your Hurricane Kit
• First Aid Kit
• Several gallons of water
• Two weeks supply of food
• Medications
• ID tags
• Leash/lead/harness
• Disposable litter box or training pads
• Food and water dishes
• Carrier or Crate
• Recent pictures of your pet(s) in case they get lost
• Disposable clean-up bags
• Chew toys & treats
• Blankets
• Medical Records in a water proof bag and/or a digital copy
• Antianxiety medications

Best Friends Animal Hospital
Best Friends Animal Hospital believes in providing quality health care for your pet in a warm and welcoming environment. Their doctors routinely attend educational seminars in order to stay abreast of the latest medical treatments and technologies. 

Their hospital also prides itself on having state-of-the-art equipment including a digital x-ray machine and surgical laser, both of which are used in human medicine. The digital x-ray machine allows them to take high-quality radiographs in seconds. The surgical laser helps to decrease pain and bleeding, leading to increased healing times of the surgical incisions for their patients.

Best Friends Animal Hospital offers free 24-hour access to your pet’s account through a pet portal, allowing you to view vaccine history, upcoming appointments, and more. They offer online appointment booking through their website and have home delivery options for your pet’s needs through their online store. Their online pharmacy carries prescription medications, heartworm preventatives, flea and tick preventatives, pet food, treats, and toys.

The doctors and staff are devoted to helping your pets’ live longer, healthier, and happier lives because they understand that your pet is a valuable member of your family. Their knowledgeable staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and they look forward to seeing you and your pet(s) soon. Please visit their website to find out more, or call them to book your appointment.

Best Friends Animal Hospital
12220 Towne Lake Dr., Suite 50
Fort Myers, FL 33913

239-768-7387
www.bestfriendsanimalhosp.com