Page 10 - Galveston Waves August 2018

P
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E Hurricane Preparation:
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Evacuating Pets Safely

Corner by: Richard Henderson, D.V.M

A

ugust is here and as the gulf waters heat up, so does our
anxiety when areas of low pressure develop. It is hurricane
season again.
In past years hurricane evacuations have proven to be as dangerous for
pets as the storms themselves. To make this exhausting escape safe for
pets and people, proper preparation is key.
All dogs and cats should be micro-chipped to provide a reliable form
of identification if they are lost or escape. A number of pets displaced
during Hurricane Harvey were rescued but not able to be returned to Dogs have their own challenges during an escape from an approaching
their owners because they had no form of identification. A registered storm. They should never be made to ride in an open truck bed. Doz-
microchip would allow the pet owners to be immediately contacted by ens of dogs overheated and died during the Hurricane Rita evacuation
text or email with information obtained from the microchip data bank. because they were put in the back of the truck instead of the cab. Vehi-
Evan if the pets’ collars are lost the microchip will work permanently; cles were stuck in traffic for hours and temperature in the truck beds
safely hidden under the skin. Microchips can easily be implanted at exceeded 100 degrees. The heat and direct sunlight were too much to
your veterinarian’s office or at some animal shelters. bear for these poor animals even with ample water. The only place for
any pet is inside the air-conditioned vehicle.
If your pet must be boarded at an out of town kennel during an evacu-
ation, the kennel will require proof of vaccinations. These shots should In the event of a vehicle breakdown, the temperature inside the car is
be updated before the threat of a storm is near. If a storm forms, set- dangerous for pets and people. Having several wet towels in your ice
ting up boarding arrangements with a kennel before the evacuation chest can save lives in case a pet or person overheats. Towels can be
begins will ensure your pet has a standing reservation. Kennels often draped over your dog’s body and returned to the ice chest to reuse
fill up quickly during a major storm evacuation leaving the procrastina- after it cools again.
tors scrambling for a safe place for their pet.
Dogs should never be left off leash during rest stops. Dogs can be-
Essential supplies for all pets to carry with you include: fresh water, come distracted or confused in unfamiliar places and wander into traf-
bowls, food, medications and a leash. fic with tragic results.
Cats can be challenging to deal with during an evacuation. They are Before returning to the island after a storm, having electricity and a
particularly uncomfortable when removed from their environment. functioning air conditioner in your home should be a consideration
They are often more attached to their house than their human. They before bringing your pets back. Elderly or obese pets will not be able
feel safe in their own home and do not enjoy travel. A sturdy, roomy to tolerate the heat and could suffer a heat stroke.
crate is essential to ensure a safe trip for your kitty. If there is room for We all hope it is many years before another storm evacuation is neces-
a crate large enough to hold a small litter box and a small water dish sary for Galveston Island. However, if the
the cat can be left in the crate for the entire trip. Cats left loose in the time comes, a well-thought out plan means
car can panic and distract drivers.
safety for our furry babies and less stress for
When making stops, cats should never be let loose. During Hurricane us.
Rita’s evacuation, a number of people let their cats out of their crate at
parks and rest stops only to have them run off. They were never seen
again. Cats are not pack animals. When afraid they panic and run for
cover, not to their owner’s arms.

Once reaching your destination, if at a friend’s or relative’s house, most
cats would prefer the privacy of a small room rather than the commo-
tion of the main living area. They find no pleasure in visiting with
strangers and unfamiliar pets. Cats that are highly stressed in a new Richard D. Henderson, DVM
environment may refuse to eat for days, triggering a liver disorder Galveston Veterinary Clinic
called hepatic lipidosis, fatty liver disease. To prevent this from hap- 2108 61st Street
pening, encourage your cat to eat every day even if it means indulging Galveston, TX 77551
them with treats. 409.356.9000

10 | Waves Magazine | August 2018 Issue