We all know the basics of preparing for a serious snow storm for ourselves, but do you know what to do for your furry family members when we have a snow storm warning? White Juan hit us hard back in 2004, and last year Halifax received a record-breaking amount of snowfall and multiple snow storms throughout the winter. A lot of families were stuck in their homes, which includes their pets. It’s important to be prepared for a few days of being snowed in. To do so, ensure that you have the following:
- Always ensure you have at least 1-2 weeks of extra food at home for your pets to ensure that you are not stuck without it. If you run out of actual pet food, you can feed them boiled chicken and rice, or veggies. Avoid anything that could cause diarrhea and vomiting, like fried foods (pan-fried hamburger or other meats), anything high in fat, or anything drastically different from what they normally eat. You do not want to have to deal with diarrhea in your home during a snow storm.
- If your pet takes medication, ensure you always refill at least 1-2 weeks before running out that way you always have enough to get you through.
- Have a pet first-aid kit on hand in case of a minor issue that you cannot get to a vet for. For any major emergency, you can contact your regular vet to see if they were able to open that day. If not, you always have access to the Metro Animal Emergency Clinic in lieu of your regular veterinarian.
- Aside from the basics, you should already have set aside these situations for yourself (candles, spare power source, extra food and water, heated blankets, etc.). You should have extra dog toys to keep them entertained as you will not be able to get them out for walks. Extra litter for your kitties, never want to run out of that.
- And lastly, please do not leave your pets out in the cold, even if they are normally outdoor pets. The extreme cold can be very dangerous for them, and if there is a large accumulation of snow you may not be able to get to them to provide food and water.
Always be prepared and include all family members in the planning process. This allows everyone to be on the same page and helps children understand the importance of preparedness and safety during a storm.
Written by Dartmouth Veterinary Hospital