Hurricane Season Preparedness

The summer months are known to be when natural disasters hit here in Florida. Are you prepared for a hurricane or tornado for not just yourself, but also your pet.

Printable Disaster Supply Kit Checklist

Preparation Tips:

1. Plan in advance if you live in an evacuation area (Manatee county residents check here).

2. Write down your plan or create a checklist. Share this information with a friend / family member or have a back up plan that includes a friend / family member outside of an evacuation zone.

3. Remember to take your pet with you when you evacuate.

4. Know your evacuation route (Manatee county residents check route here).

5. Make sure you have proper identification and up-to-date immunization + rabies vaccination records for your pet (copied and placed in a protective sleeve to avoid water damage is advised).

6. Make sure you have a collar and leash for keeping your pet under control.

7. Keep a separate carrier for each pet that they can sit and turn around in, the carrier should also be labeled with identification (taping the aforementioned identification in a protective sleeve to the crate keeps everything in one place).

8. Pack supplies for your pet including vet records, a two week supply of food and water, medications with instructions, bowls (consider these collapsible types), toy and blanket, cat litter/pan, plastic bags, collar/leash, disinfectants for pet washes, and a current photo of your pet (printed, not on your phone).

9. if you must use a kennel, make sure it is not in an evacuation zone (River Landings Animal Clinic is not in an evacuation zone). A kennel option is only possible if you have proof of vaccinations. If possible, reserve a spot in advance.

After a storm or relocation: 

1. Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented with their new home and surroundings. Often familiar places and landmarks may be altered from the weather and pets could easily become lost or confused.

2. Reptiles may be out and about brought in by flood water and debris. Be aware of the threat they are to you and your pet.

3. Bring along a picture of your pet for identification.

4. After a disaster, animals may have a shift in behavior such as aggression or defensiveness. Monitor any changes.

Printable Disaster Supply Kit Checklist

{click here to view or print PDF}

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From The Desk of Dr. Fox: It's Allergy Season

Summertime is here in full force in Florida and with the sunshine and outdoor activities we all enjoy comes something that every dog owner hates - itchy dogs.  Skin problems are the most common problem that we see dog owners bring their dogs in for treatment for and they can be frustrating for owners to deal with at times.  There are numerous reasons that dogs itch, which leads to scratching, licking, biting and chewing, but the most common that we see are fleas and allergies.  Fleas are ever prevalent in Florida but worse in the warmer months.  The good news is flea control has never been easier with many easy to give monthly (or longer) products available. The bad news is allergies, which just like in us humans, are extremely common in Florida and they are not something that we can cure for good, also just like in people.

The most common cause of allergies in dogs is not food as many owners think - it's called atopy.  Atopy is an allergic reaction to the same things that we react to - oak pollen, pine pollen, grasses, mold spores, all the various weeds and plants outside. Basically dogs can be allergic to almost anything a person can.  The difference is how dogs react and can be summed up in one sentence:

People who have allergies have sneezing and respiratory signs (think hay fever) while dogs respond to the same things in a different way - ITCHING!! 

The symptoms of allergies can be treated in dogs just like people but it's not a one size fits all approach. There are many different ways allergies cause problems in dogs - skin infections (scabs, crusty spots on the skin), ear infections, infections on the feet, and hot spots which are extremely itchy, moist areas that pop up quickly.  The best approach is to stop the itching before it starts as much as possible and head off a lot of the issues before they develop.  We use everything from shampoos, topical sprays and creams, antihistamines and occasionally steroids to control itching and it's always best to start small and work up the ladder of treatment options to minimize side effects and cost. 

The take home message for allergies is this. They are extremely common in dogs, they are frustrating for owners to deal with and sometimes it takes a few tries to find the best medicines for your pet. After all there's a reason there are a dozen different antihistamines available at the local drugstore for you and at least that many more nasal sprays available from your MD.  Once we find something that works for your dog, don't stop using it. Prevention is the best approach.  Again, think people - taking a Zyrtec or Claritin everyday is much better than sneezing constantly, having itchy eyes and ending up with a sinus infection and feeling miserable.

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dog health

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