Media note: Kimberly Ange is at 919.515.4218 or kim_ange@ncsu.edu. For information on other disaster recovery topics, visit Cooperative Extension's Web site at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/disaster/. For further disaster recovery information from Cooperative Extension, call Dave Caldwell at 919.513.3127 or e-mail dave_caldwell@ncsu.edu. Our disaster experts list is at http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/agcomm/writing/disaster/

Pets need special care during hurricanes, too

A North Carolina State University companion animal specialist recommends that pet owners plan ahead for their pets' safety and their own peace of mind when the potential for high winds, flooding and power outages exists.

Kimberly Ange, with the Department of Animal Science, says, "If you are going to a shelter, working in one, or simply are concerned about companion animals, make sure to remind others to provide for their pets before they leave them to face the weather conditions alone."

Most companion animals are accustomed to being completely provided for, whether they live inside or outside.

"Regardless of their natural instincts, they can get into serious trouble if abandoned during severe weather conditions," Ange says.

Ange offers some important tips for companion animal care during severe weather:

• Aquarium care: If the filter in your fish aquarium doesn’t work for several days, your fish may need small water changes to add nutrients and keep the tank warm. Tap water should not be added directly to a tank. Use bottled water or tape water treated with appropriate chlorine and ammonia-removing agents. (When the power's out in cooler weather, add blankets around the fish tank to maintain the appropriate temperature.)
• Outdoor pets: If at all possible, bring all pets indoors during severe weather. Some companion animals, especially the very young or very old, can’t handle extremely stressful conditions. Housing the animal temporarily in a garage or extra room is safer than leaving it outdoors. If you must leave animals outside, make sure they are in a secure area, safe from high winds, falling debris and flooding. Check the pet’s water and food dishes to make sure they won’t be blown away, wet or otherwise contaminated. If you bring your pet indoors, keep it away from hazardous household materials -- antifreeze and toxic plants, for example -- that can be deadly.
• Provisions: Be sure to have extra bottled drinking water and pet food on hand in case you can't get to a store for several days.
• If you are going to a shelter: Call ahead first to make sure you can bring your pet with you. If not, make arrangements with an animal boarding facility in a safe area.
• Don't leave your pet alone: Pets depend on their owners for survival. Falling trees and branches may make homes dangerous areas. "If your home is unsafe for you to live in, don’t assume that it’s safe for your pet, whether cat, dog, ferret or bird," Ange says. "If you must leave your home in an emergency condition and can’t take your pet, be sure to notify emergency personnel about your pets. There are local rescue organizations dedicated specifically to animals in jeopardy."

"Finally," she says, "after the severe weather is over, remember all the affected pets in your area. Humane societies and other organizations may be taking much-needed donations to help give the homeless and injured animals a chance. If you have extra pet food or supplies, animal rescue organizations would appreciate having them."

More disaster preparation information is available from North Carolina Cooperative Extension at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/disaster.

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Prepared by the Department of Communication Services, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Updated September 3, 2008 —dfc

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