Making Pet Disaster Plans

When the tornado sirens blared in Cobb on February 28, my older dogs knew the drill: Collars and leashes were attached, then we all headed to the basement. For my youngest dog, just eight months old, the drill was his first experience with our disaster plan execution.

Because loud noises don’t frighten our dogs (partly due to their heritage as gun dogs), and because we kept the mood upbeat, the pup willingly played the kennel-up and quiet down games. We used the opportunity to play the “down-and-stay” games with the older dogs in and out of their crates. 

A pet disaster plan is crucial during East Cobb’s spring storm season. If you don’t have one, now is a perfect time to learn what to do for your companion animals in the event of an emergency.

Crates or carriers for dogs, cats, and smaller mammals will keep them secure when winds threaten. Proper training will acclimate your pet to a crate long before bad weather hits. Feed your dog or cat in its crate, and make it a fun place for the animal. 

Chew toys, such as a Kong stuffed with peanut butter and kibble, keeps a dog happy and busy for hours, or long enough for the inclement weather to subside. Cat toys or catnip might prevent your feline from wailing along with the sirens.

Plan to house reptiles in a secure container in your safety zone; do the same with smaller mammals. Birds’ cages should be covered and carried to your home’s safest area, either a basement or interior room.

Think about your animals’ long-term needs. For example, we have a 20-gallon plastic bin loaded with supplies for the dogs. Inside the bin are several gallons of water, tarps to protect the crates if exposed to the elements, extra dog toys and treats, and a canine first-aid kit. 

We keep dog food in rolling containers, which can be easily moved to the basement or loaded into a car if the worst should happen and evacuation to a shelter is necessary. 

Extra pet food -- either canned or kibble in sealed bags -- should be accessible. Keep track of the expiration dates for food, especially dry food, so that your emergency stock doesn’t spoil. Don’t forget a can opener, along with food and water bowls. 

Make sure that flashlights are in your disaster bin, and check the batteries often. Since we have multiple big dogs, we use headlamps rather than flashlights, and our hands are free to hold leashes.

If your animals are on any medications, ask your vet for extras in case of an emergency. Like the pet food, check expiration dates on a regular basis, and rotate out any expired medication. Keep copies of vaccination records, especially rabies shot dates, in a waterproof bag.

If your dog or cat is particularly stressed by thunderstorms, consider a program of desensitization long before the worst spring storms approach. Don’t coddle a fearful dog, as this only teaches him to be afraid. Instead, cheerfully say, “Oh, you silly boy,” then engage him in a game of tug or fetch while thunder rolls in the distance.

Some research shows that truly storm-phobic dogs have an increase of cortisol, a stress hormone, in their bloodstream during violent weather. Those dogs can do well with anti-anxiety medication. Talk to your vet if your pet becomes a “Velcro” dog or cat during thunder-and-lightning events.

For more information on developing a pet disaster plan, check out the Georgia Emergency Management Association website, www.gema.state.ga.us. For animal specific disaster planning go to www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.