OCALA, FL (352today.com) – This year’s “super El Niño” may have suppressed our Atlantic hurricane season, and it may have more of an impact on the West Coast than the Sunshine State this winter, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see any effects at all.
Most models show we’re in for a comparatively dismal winter—colder and wetter, with more of a chance for extreme weather anomalies such as tornadoes. And given our area’s penchant for flooding in multiple places across the region, it could be wetter still.
That’s why award-winning veterinarian and bestselling author Gary Richter, MS, DVM, says this year, pet owners shouldn’t stop thinking about and planning for contingencies at the end of November.
“I think there are some very easy things that people can do that can make a real significant difference from a pet perspective,” Dr. Richter said.
Stockpile those basic needs
One of the simplest things people can do, he said, is lay in at least a week’s worth of food and medicine—two, if they have the space.
“It’s not that hard to do, everybody has a little space that they can do that,” said Dr. Richter. “So that way if something happens and it becomes difficult to get out to the store, or the stores are closed, you’re taken care of.”
Think and act like it’s storm season
A lot of the things pet owners can do as winter approaches are very much like what they would do for hurricane season. Dr. Richter said they should check and refresh their hurricane pet kit and remember that their pets will need their own water if the pipes quit running, just like other family members.
Once wet weather kicks in, it’s important for pet owners to keep their animals safe from potential injuries and infection. If the weather clears and it’s possible to take your pet outside, Dr. Richter recommended paying extra attention to the terrain, avoiding blowdowns, piles of debris and standing or stagnant water.
“Worms, GI bugs and whatnot love wet and humid stuff, and, well, it’s Florida,” he said.
Basic first aid is acceptable
If your dog or cat does get injured in the wake of, for example, a bad storm that knocks out the power and floods the neighborhood, it’s OK to apply limited first aid yourself, such as using pressure to stop bleeding or applying a disinfectant. Don’t forget, Dr. Richter said, that hurt animals are scared, and scared animals can bite, no matter how well-trained. A muzzle-trained animal will be more likely to accept one—or an e-collar, better known as a “cone of shame”—if the time comes when it’s needed.
“But all that stuff would absolutely need veterinary care at some point,” he said, “so as soon as people can get to a vet, they should.”