June is National Pet Preparedness Month. Many of us have learned quite a bit about being prepared for disasters over the last few months. However, even though the coronavirus has been the biggest topic this year, there is also always the possibility of things like tornados, floods, fires, and hurricanes. Read on as a Lawrenceville, GA vet offers some tips on getting your pet ready for these unexpected emergencies.
Bag
Have an emergency bag ready to go for your furry pal. This should include things like food, treats, and medicine; toys; bedding; dishes; a leash and collar; water; and copies of your pet’s vaccination and registration records. You may also want to include towels, a tie-out line, and waste baggies for Fido. Fluffy should have a litterbox and litter, while smaller critters, like gerbils, will need some bedding. A pet-first aid kit and brochures are also good to have.
Stocking Up
The coronavirus pandemic sparked a lot of frenzy in supermarkets, with people stocking up on everything. As far as emergency preparation goes, it’s good to have a few weeks’ worth of supplies. However, you don’t have to go overboard here, especially with dry food, as it may spoil before you can use it.
Carrier
Your pet should have a good carrier. We recommend hard-shell crates for dogs and cats. For smaller animals, you can use a storage tote. Just make sure there are adequate air holes. Put some identification on the crate or carrier. Luggage tags or even address labels covered in clear tape work well for this.
Preventative Care
Keep up with preventative care, such as exams, vaccinations, and parasite control. The last thing you want to worry about in an emergency is your pet having a run in with a possibly rabid wild animal, or getting Lyme disease from a tick!Â
ID
One of the most important things you can do is make sure that your pet is microchipped and wearing proper ID tags. If you and your animal companion are ever separated in an emergency, these things could be absolutely crucial!
Planning
We recommend having an emergency plan in place for your family. If your go-to shelter is a friend or family member’s home, make sure that your pet is welcome too!
Please contact us, your local Lawrenceville, GA vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
