Do you know how to keep your dog or cat safe in a fire, flood or cyclone? We give tips on making an emergency plan for pets, and advice on keeping your furry friends calm.
No one likes to think about a natural disaster occurring – but knowing what to do in an emergency can help you feel more prepared if the worst should happen. Your pets are valuable members of your family, so you need to consider their practical and emotional needs when preparing for a natural disaster, such as a fire, flood or cyclone. Here are our tips for pet safety before and after natural disasters, as well as during power outages.
Preparing an emergency plan for your pets
Hopefully you already have an emergency plan for your family, and it’s a good idea to have one for your pets, too. From how you’ll keep them fed and watered to making sure they’re safe, plan ahead so you know how you’ll take care of your pet – and evacuate them, if necessary – in the event of a natural disaster.
Make a disaster kit for your pet
Just as you’d make a disaster kit for your family, you should create one for your pets, too – especially if you think you’ll need to evacuate. It should include:
- 5–7 days’ supply of non-perishable food (don’t forget a can opener and spoon)
- plenty of fresh water
- water and food bowls
- any supplements or medications they need (especially for anxiety)
- poo bags and litter supplies
- collar, harness and lead
- car restraints and a pet carrier
- familiar bedding and comfort toys
- vet records, including vaccination details, medical conditions and your vet’s contact details, stored in a waterproof bag
- sanitation products, such as disposable gloves, plastic bags and old newspapers
Have an evacuation strategy
If you need to evacuate your home, find out which evacuation centres will take pets (some won’t), or find a friend or family member who can keep your pet safe until the threat passes.
Make sure your pet is microchipped and that your contact details are up to date (if you know their microchip number, you can update your details here). It’s also a good idea to write your pet’s name and your phone number on their collar and have current photos of your pet on your phone for easier identification if you get separated during an emergency.
Protecting your pet during fire
If it’s unsafe for humans to be outside due to bushfire smoke, it’s also unsafe for pets, so keep them inside and shut all doors and windows. If possible, don’t take them outside for toilet breaks until smoke pollution is low.
Keep an eye on the official warnings for your area and be ready to evacuate if the danger becomes high. Remember that your pet might be freaking out, so allow plenty of time to prepare and evacuate them.
It’s not a bad idea to have some general knowledge about pet first aid in your memory bank. For example, if your pet gets burned during a bushfire, cool the burns with cold water until you can get them to a vet for treatment.
Protecting your pet during cyclones and floods
During a cyclone, bring your dog or cat indoors to keep them safe. They might be stressed by the noise of the wind and rain, so try to keep them calm with games, toys, treats and calming aids such as supplements or a Thundershirt.
If, for some reason, you unable to take your pet when you evacuate, bring them indoors. Make sure they’re able to climb up high if flood waters rise, and leave plenty of food and water up high for them. If you have to leave your pet outside, do not tie them up as they may need to escape.
If there’s been a flood, keep your pet away from floodwaters that could spread disease, and thoroughly check indoors for snakes, which sometimes head into houses during floods.
Protecting your pet during power outages
Whether caused by a natural disaster or by some other fault, power outages can affect your pet emotionally. Keeping your dog or cat in their usual routine can help reassure them, providing plenty of comforting hugs and pats, and giving them a safe, quiet place to rest to help minimise stress.
If you’ve lost power during summer, keeping your dog or cat cool is essential. Set them up in a room with no internal windows and use wet towels to keep them cool. Give them lots of water to drink, and if they’re salivating, panting excessively or seem agitated, they may be experiencing heat stress – contact a vet as soon as you can.
For power outages in winter, keep your dog or cat warm with blankets and by snuggling up to them. Stay together in one room and put old towels under doors to reduce drafts.
Supporting your pet after a disaster
When you return home after a natural disaster, it might take your pet a while to settle back in as they’ll be sensitive to changes in the environment. Clearing as much debris as you can and setting up a calming spot for them can help. Signs that your dog is stressed include yawning and excessive shaking, chewing and licking, while anxious cats might vomit, be excessively noisy and go to the toilet where they shouldn’t. Contact your vet for advice if you are concerned about anxiety in your pet.
Before you let your dog or cat outside, check that it’s safe. And even if it is safe, don’t let them roam around outside by themselves – keep them on a leash, as they might still be shaken up and could run away due to fear.
