Are You And Your Canine Companion Pup-pared For Bad Weather?

Henlo, hoomin. Has you been making the pupper-ations for the sky booms?

Not fluent in doggo speak? Don’t worry, at Giving A Dog A Bone we’re experts in getting to know and to understand dogs of all ages to learn how best to care and train them. That means we’re ready to translate what this good boy is asking.

While you and your family would prepare your home to withstand a storm, you’d want to do the same for your beloved pet. There are several steps that you can take to ensure your dog is calm and comfortable should a severe weather system enter the area.

Hurricane season, which lasts from June 1st to November 1st, is a normal part of life for those who work and play in South Florida. Just as you would purchase bottled water, shelf-stable food, flashlights, batteries, and other basic necessities for a disaster supply kit, make sure you prepare one for your pet as well.

Here’s a list of items you should keep stocked (and in quickly transported bags) for your family dog:

• Dog food. Hard kibble will keep the longest; soft food will help keep your dog hydrated. If your pet eats a mixture of hard and soft food, make sure you have a manual can opener included in your kit for the cans of soft food;
• Bottles of water for your pet (your dog having its own water helps to ensure that both of you have enough to drink);
• Strong leashes that won’t snap, tear or break. Include well-fitting harnesses made of durable material;
• Any medications as well as copies of your pet’s medical records (both stored in a waterproof container);
• A pet first aid kit (you can learn how to make your own from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®);
• A list of any medical conditions, behavioral problems, feeding times, and contact information for your pet’s veterinarian, as well as the latest photo of your pet. This will be helpful if your pet becomes lost or if you have to board or even foster your dog;
• If your dog has toys, blankets, or a bed that are small enough to be easily carried, include these comfort items in your pet disaster kit.

Storms, in general, are stressful for pets, but with care and training dogs will adjust. Long-time dog owners and life-long South Florida residents may even be caught off guard by hurricane season despite years of preparation. A well-trained dog will make adapting easier. If you ride out the storm at home, leave town for better weather, or (worst case) have to evacuate, making sure that all members of the family — doggo included — have a disaster kit and plan in place is some of the best preparation.