petMD.com Provides Four Hurricane Safety Tips for Pets
Miami, Fla. – August 28, 2012 – As Hurricane Isaac makes its way across the Gulf of Mexico and threatens to hit several states in the southern U.S., petMD.com urges pet owners to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their pets.
"The best thing a pet owner can do is to prepare for a hurricane before it strikes,” states Dr. Lorie Huston, a petMD spokesperson. “If the worst happens and you do need to evacuate, never leave your pets behind. There's simply no way to predict how long you will need to be away from your home.”
To help owners keep their pets safe from harm as Isaac approaches, petMD.com has pulled together the following four hurricane safety tips.
1. Make a Pet Emergency Kit - Just as families have their own emergency kits, pets should have them, too. The general rule of thumb for any pet emergency kit is to include enough water for three days, non-perishable dog or cat food (with a can opener if necessary), cat litter and a litter box or puppy pads, medicine and medical records in waterproof containers, a carrier or leash, and a recent photo of your pet in case you get separated.
2. Find a Safe Room - In advance of any hurricane or natural disaster, make sure you locate a room in your home that is windowless and close to the ground floor where you and your pets can remain during the storm. Store your pet emergency kit in this safe room so it is easily accessible when needed.
3. Listen to Advisories - If you are required to evacuate, take your pets with you to a pet-friendly hotel or make arrangements at a shelter. If you weather the storm in your safe room, make sure to keep your pets nearby, preferably in a carrier or on a leash. Large storms can frighten pets and cause them to run off and endanger themselves
4. Stay Calm - Although it may seem like common sense, it’s important for pet owners to stay calm during a hurricane. Animals can sense human emotions, and if you’re panicked, they will be, too. This could cause them to rely on their instincts and attempt to run away. Speak in a calm, soothing voice to help your pets know they are safe and secure by their owner’s side.
Media Contact: Kelly Lange, 610-234-4114, klange@pet360.com
About petMD.com
petMD is the leading online resource focused solely on the health and well-being of pets. The site maintains the world’s largest pet health library, written and approved by a network of trusted veterinarians. petMD was founded to inspire pet owners to provide an ever-increasing quality of life for their pets and to connect pet owners with pet experts and other animal lovers. petMD is a subsidiary of the Pet360 family of brands, which also includes www.Pet360.com – a highly personalized & engaged community dedicated to simplifying and enhancing pet parenting, www.PetFoodDirect.com – the most complete pet food and supply retailer online, and www.NationalPetPharmacy.com – a fully certified, full-service pet pharmacy delivering pet meds, vitamins and comprehensive pet health and wellness products.