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Floods can happen anywhere at any time. While some floods are the secondary result of predictable events, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, in some instances, floods can happen in a matter of minutes. So, how can you keep your dog safe? Hollie Stark, Outreach Program Manager for the Washington Emergency Management Division, says that preparation goes a long way in giving both you and your pet peace of mind.
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“Like any sort of disaster, keeping your pet safe is a lot like what we would do for any sort of dependent that we have in our household, whether it be a child or an aging parent,” she says.
Here’s what to know about preparing your dog for a flood and what to do if you’re separated.
Research Your Area’s Weather Patterns and Climate
Understanding your area’s risk of flooding can help you form a plan specific to your region’s climate, seasonal weather patterns, and disaster relief infrastructure.
“Floods can really happen across the nation, and so that’s one thing, don’t get complacent, make those plans way in advance,” recommends Stark. “Have those plans written down, and so that once you’re in that emergency situation, you’re not freaking out, you know exactly who to call, and you know how long the wait might be.”
Flooding can happen as a result of:
- Hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe thunderstorms: Heavy rains and storm surges can cause flooding along the Southeastern U.S. and the Atlantic Seaboard. Some states at risk include Florida, Louisiana, and the Carolinas.
- Tidal waves and storm surges: Areas in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Hawaii, can experience flooding from tsunamis and severe thunderstorms
- Ice jams: Floating ice can accumulate in waterways, such as rivers and creeks, causing flooding upstream
- Monsoon rains: Although the Southwest is known for being dry and arid, seasonal thunderstorms can quickly overtake areas like Arizona and New Mexico
Consulting your county’s emergency readiness division in advance can also help you develop a comprehensive emergency plan if a flood threatens your family’s safety.
Always Have a ‘Go Bag’ Packed and Ready
If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready — and that certainly applies to emergency preparedness. Having a “go bag” that contains your dog’s essential items helps to reduce their anxiety, provide comfort, and allow you to focus on making other decisions, such as relocating to a pet-friendly emergency shelter.
But what should be in a flood preparedness kit?
“Include all the things that your dog would need to survive if you needed to evacuate your home in the event of a flood,” says Stark. “This may include collapsible bowls for food and water, the food that they would normally eat, treats that they might rely on for comfort or for behavior.”
She also recommends utilizing dog harnesses when possible because they can offer more control than a standard collar.
It’s also wise to pack your dog’s prescription medications. Ideally, you want everything you need to promote your dog’s health and well-being on hand.
Have Comfort Items Ready
Floods are already scary enough for people. For dogs, even those that love water, it can be nothing short of terrifying. Thankfully, nobody knows what comforts your pet more than you.
“I have three children,” shares Stark. “They’re a lot older now, but when they were younger, we always talked about carrying a comfort item, so a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, and our dogs are really similar.”
Your dog’s favorite treats, toys, and accessories can redirect their attention if flooding disrupts their routine or a loud thunderstorm triggers their anxiety. Calming diffusers that spray dog-appeasing pheromones (DAPs), noise machines, and creating a safe space can also reduce their stress.
“And then of course, there’s also products for anxious dogs,” says Stark. “There’s what they call ‘ThunderShirts‘ or a kind of weighted shirt that they can put on or wear that keeps their nerves calm.”
You may also consider putting a GPS-enabled collar on your dog. These products have become very popular because they allow owners to pinpoint their pets’ exact location.
Take Photos of Your Dog Both Wet and Dry
With their double coat and cream-colored fur, your Pomeranian might perfectly embody a lightly toasted marshmallow. That is, until they get wet. Then, you might feel like you’re looking at a completely different dog, or even a completely different animal!
Having pictures of your dog, both wet and dry, goes a long way in helping them be identified by rescue volunteers, on social media, and even during your own search. Be sure to take pictures from multiple angles, including their top, side, and front. You can also take photos of your dog standing alongside objects, like a coffee table or their food bowls, to capture their height.
Stark says, “If you take your dog to the groomer, and they get showered, you could ask, ‘Hey, could you just snap a picture when they’re wet?'” Then, if you’re searching for your dog in an environment with heavy rain or floodwaters, you can share those photos, as well.
Considerations if Flooding Separates You and Your Dog
There are many situations in which dog owners can be separated from their pets, including before, during, and after flood-related events. For example, an anxious dog may leap over the backyard fence to find safety after hearing thunder before a hurricane. In another scenario, the current from a strong tidal wave could lead to split-minute decisions where you must prioritize your own safety and seek high ground.
Stark offers some words of reassurance to those searching for their dogs after a flood. “Dogs, in general, have very good instincts for keeping themselves safe, and so the recommendation is to not try and swim after them and put your life in danger,” she says. “They have very strong instincts and will likely be able to find safety.”
Connect With Community Resources
Connecting with your community is one of the best ways to keep your dog safe. A great place to start is by contacting your local emergency department and asking for guidance about evacuation routes, pet-friendly emergency shelters, and other resources.
“Sit down and make those plans, and reach out to your local emergency managers,” recommends Stark. “The more you have in place before a disaster ever occurs — and it will, and it can anywhere — the more peaceful you and your pet are going to be.”
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.