During this time of year, the weather is not to hot and not to cold, so we tend to spend more time outside with our pets. Here are a few things you need to be aware of in order to keep your pets safe.

Hurricane Season is Here!

Act Now and Be Prepared!

In case of hurricane or other crisis, do you have a plan to keep your pet safe? We hope the information contained on our website helps you plan for your pets safety. Act now and be prepared in advance for inclement weather, floods, and any other family emergency.

Vaccinations and Medical Concerns

1.       Always keep your pet current on vaccinations

2.   Keep copies of your pet’s vaccination records in a water tight container along with your veterinarian’s information.

3.      If your pet has any medical needs or medications, keep written records detailing how to care for your pet including instructions for medication and special diet.

4.     Always refill your pet’s medications and special diet before you are completely out.

In Case of Evacuation

To prepare for the possibility of evacuation, gather all your pets, records, food, water (and bowls), litter and litter box, medications, leash, special blanket and toys, and crate (if crate trained) in to one area for easy access to pack in a hurry. Plan for a minimum of 3 days.

Plan your evacuation route in advance, and call ahead to area evacuation shelters, kennels, and hotels to find out which will allow pets. Most human emergency shelters will not allow pets. Ask kennels what vaccinations are required to make sure your pets meet those requirements. PetFriendlyHotels.com has a list of hotels all over the United States.

Always leash train your dog and familiarize your cat with a carrier. If your dog is not good around other animals or people, have a muzzle with you. Other people will be stressed out too and very intolerant of even a playful puppy. Keep even the best trained dog on a leash. It is the law!

Please take all your pets. During inclement weather, pets panic too. You’re the one they look to for keeping them safe.

If You Decide to Stay…

1.       Keep pets indoors and make sure they have identification on them.

2.      Crates or carriers placed in interior rooms with no windows are the safest place to have your pets.

3.      Always check your fence area after a storm before letting your dog loose in your yard. Walk your dog on a leash until things have returned to normal.

4.     Please remember pets get scared just as we do. Even after you know things are back to normal, your pet may still feel uncertain. If you notice unusual behavior that seems to persist, please call us and  let us help.  

Heat Stress/Stroke

In hot and humid weather conditions a pet can over heat and suffer a heat stroke in a very short amount of time. A heat stroke can cause irreversible brain damage and even death. An animal cannot sweat, thus they cool themselves through panting. In extreme heat or if the pet is dehydrated, their panting becomes inefficient. If you feel your pet might be having a heat stroke, you should seek emergency help from a veterinarian immediately. Remember that even on cooler days, high humidity can cause your pet to overheat.

Chemical Hazards

Many lawn, garden and automotive chemicals can have a sweet smell and be hazardous to your pets if ingested. Pets can even become ill from licking chemicals off their feet. To keep your pets safe, keep them on a leash and do not let them drink from water puddles in the street or other sources of water that could contain harmful chemicals.

Plants

Many common plants are poisonous to your pets. Here are a few plants that can harm them-- Sago Palm, Tulip, Schefflera, Rhododendron, Oleander, Azalea, Caladium, Dieffenbachia, Elephant Ears, Lilies, Ferns, Kalanchoe, and there are many more. Pets, especially puppies love to dig and eat plants. Remember a puppy is like a 2 year old toddler. They need constant supervision or they need to be crated or put in an area where they cannot harm themselves. Even adult dogs and cats enjoy eating a plant every now and then, so please check your yard and house for poisonous plants. If you think your pet has eaten a poisonous plant, you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.

Thunderstorms

Our weather is unpredictable and many pets get very nervous during thunderstorms. Some pets, when scared, become very destructive and can harm themselves as well as cause damage to your home. Pets left outside can become so scared, they dig out, chew through the fence, or escape your yard from a gate that has blown open or fence that has blown down. Make sure you have a secure place for your pet in the event of a storm. Have a backup plan, such as a neighbor or a friend that can secure your pet in the event an unexpected thunderstorm occurs.  Please remember to register your pet with Harris County and keep a collar with id information, rabies tag, and Harris County registration tag on your pet.  Please consider micro-chipping your pet.  Sometimes pets' collars come off, but with a simple injection, your pet can be micro-chipped and you will have a better chance of being reunited with your lost pet.