Emergency Pet Plan for Winter
Keeping Your Pets Safe This Winter
As winter sweeps across South Africa, bringing chilly weather and the occasional storms, not to mention the recent floods, it’s time to make sure our beloved pets are snug and secure. Just as we prepare our homes and wardrobes for the colder months, our furry friends also need some extra care to stay safe, warm, and comfortable. We’ve compiled a list of some essential tips to keep your pets protected during winter storms as well as emergencies:
Prepping for Cold:
Create a Cosy Shelter
Ensure your pets have a warm, dry place to stay. For outdoor pets, consider bringing them inside during extreme weather or if it gets too cold. Outdoor pets should always have a well-insulated, waterproof shelter with plenty of blankets.
Bundle Up!
Just like humans, pets can feel the cold too! Specifically, short-haired breeds and small animals might need a little extra warmth. Place pet beds and cages away from any drafts or open doors, get doggy jackets for a little extra protection when going outside, place reptile heat pads under one corner of small animal cages in case they get cold and provide extra blankets for cats.
Keep them entertained Indoors
Storms can mean more indoor time for your pets. Stock up on toys and engage in interactive play to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. A bored pet can quickly become a mischievous one!
We recently made a blog about indoor activities for winter, read it here!
Safe and Secure
Thunder and lighting can be frightening for pets – and we all know the Joburg and Eastern Cape ones can get quite hectic! Create a safe space where they can retreat, complete with their favourite toys and blankets. Playing soft music or using a white noise machine can also help to calm their nerves.
Emergency Kit Ready
In case of emergency, have an emergency kit prepared for your pets. Include items like food, water, medications, a pet first-aid kit, and any comfort items your pet loves.
ID & Microchip
Make sure your pet’s identification tags are up to date, and consider microchipping them if you haven’t already. In the event they get lost during a storm, this will help reunite you quickly.
Watch the Weather
Keep an eye on weather forecasts. If a big storm is predicted, try to exercise your pet before it hits. This can help reduce their anxiety and ensure they’re calm when the weather turns rough. If your cat free roams outside, try bringing them in before a big storm and comforting them with any treats and playtime.
Mindful of Hazards
After a storm, especially with the types of storms poor Cape Town receives with their wind, it’s best to go out in the yard before your pet does to ensure that nothing has blown into the yard or broken that could hurt them.
Hydration & Nutrition
With colder weather, pets might not drink as much water, but it’s important they stay hydrated. Ensure their water bowls are always filled with fresh water. Also, maintain their regular feeding schedule to keep them healthy and energised.
Visit the Vet
A pre-winter vet check-up can help ensure your pet is in good health. Discuss any concerns you might have about the cold weather and get advice tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
Emergency Plan:
Preparing for the cold is the easy part, it’s when an emergency arises that we need to prepare! In the event of severe storms, flooding or even fires, additional precautions are necessary to keep your pets safe:
Stay informed and Prepared
Monitor local weather alerts and be aware of any warning about flood or sever storms. Having a plan in place will help you act quickly if needed.
Evacuation Plan
Know the safest routes and pet-friendly shelters in your area. Have a planned person or family member you can go to in case you need to evacuate. In the unfortunate case of evacuation, always take your pets with you! Never ever leave them behind!
Waterproof Identification
Ensure your pet’s ID tag on their collar is secure and waterproof! In case they get separated from you, this will increase the chances of being reunited.
High Ground
During floods, move yourself, your family and your pets to higher ground. Stay away from low-lying areas prone to flooding.
Prepped for Lock-In
Keep flashlights, spare batteries, a gas heater and stove, extra water bottles, non-perishable foods, pet food and a general emergency kit for emergencies. These emergencies can range from prolonged load shedding, water being cut off or not being able to leave your home due to safety reasons.
First Aid
Knowing simple first aid could quite literally save your life! Knowing your pet and how to perform basic first aid on them is just as important. Storms can be very anxiety-inducing to pets and pets tend to get reckless and hurt themselves during stressful situations – know your pet!
By following these tips and being prepared for any emergencies, you’ll ensure your pets have a safe and cosy winter season. Let’s make this winter a warm and wonderful time for all our four-legged family members!
Stay warm and cuddle up!
Share your cosy pet photos with us on social media using #PetHubWinter
