Keeping your Dog Safe During a Power Outage

Living in the Northeast the weather can be very unpredictable. So far this winter we have been hit with three major storms and we have a fourth one headed our way according to the forecast.   Many in New Jersey had already lost their power when the third one hit, so this is only going to delay the situation.

When Super Storm Sandy hit we lost our power for about a week and let me tell you it got very cold in the house and that was in October, imagine how cold it can get when you lose power during a blizzard.  Brrrr!

Below are some suggestions as to how you can protect your pet while indoors.

While the first thing people want to do when they lose power is to light candles. This may not be a good idea when you own pets. If your pet is a climber/jumper they can potentially knock that candle down causing a major disaster. I have many battery operated LED candles throughout my house that I use. These are pretty bright and are a much safer alternative.

Keep flashlights handy or you can purchase LED type lanterns that can light up a whole room. If you have removable solar lights you can bring them indoors in the evening and those are effective as well. It’s a good idea to have these readily available because you never know when you are going to lose power.

If you plan on riding it out, make sure your pet has a comfy sweater they can wear. Lay blankets around their bed so that they can keep warm. If the temperature drops to an extreme and it gets too cold in the house, you may want to check into a hotel that is pet friendly.  Click here to view pet friendly hotels

Although staying at a hotel is great, it can add up. If you have family that you can stay with that is a plus. Make sure you bring all your pets items and try to follow your pet’s regular routine as closely as possible.

Another option is boarding your pet. There are many great boarding facilities that you can look into. Many veterinarian offices board animals as well, contact yours to check.

When your power is out, keep water handy at all times. Colder weather means your pet will use up more energy to stay warm. As for food you should always have an extra supply on hand. If your dog is on a cooked food diet as is mine, make sure you remove it from the fridge and place it in the freezer to keep it cold. If there is snow outside you can just place it on the snow so it doesn’t go bad.

If you are lucky enough to purchase a gas-powered portable generator go for it. These are the best solutions for power outages. Just make sure you follow the manufacturer’s suggestions and never bring it in doors! Again follow the instructions!

Lastly, be mindful of your elderly pets as their metabolism isn’t what it used to be. Some meds can affect your dog’s metabolism affecting their being able to keep themselves warm. Contact your dog’s vet if you are unsure.

Remember, safety is of the utmost importance!