Tomball Magnolia Potpourri - News
Emergency plans should also include pets
By ALLEN JONES
With Hurricane Ike approaching, residents shouldn’t forget about their pets when prepping to weather out the storm at home.
A number of kennels in the area will be closed and are asking pet owners who have pets bordered to come pick them up.
Tomball Pet Resort, located at 9955 FM 2920, is among those planning to close this afternoon and is asking pet owners to come pick up their animals by noon.
“We will be closed through out the weekend,” said Kanki Frohlich, store manager.
According to PetSmart, a pet supply retail chain, if at home, bring pets indoors.
Bark Busters, a dog training company, issued a few pre-storm tips to help pet owners keep their dogs calm when the hurricane hits:
Create a special area in the home where the dog will feel safe. A crate or kennel can be a calming refuge, but only if introduced in advance. Pet owners who do not already have a safe haven should try tethering their pets to them with a leash and allowing the pet to stick close.
If a pet is not leashed to a pet owner or tucked away in a crate, remove items from the room that the dog could destroy or could hurt them if chewed. Some dogs become destructive when frightened.
Keep widows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes. Curtains can also help protect the homeowner and their pet from broken glass in case of high winds.
In case of an electrical storm, turn on a battery-powered radio -- consider a weather radio -- at normal volume to distract dogs from loud noises and help them to relax. A dog’s sense of hearing is acute - at least 10 times more sensitive than humans.
Pet owners should also try to remain calm. Frightened children and scurrying adults are the last thing a pet needs to stay calm.
The pet training facility is also urging pet owners to take some time before the storm to prepare their animals in case of an emergency.
Make sure pets are wearing up to date tags on their collars. This is vital if a pet happens to get away during the storm.
Pet owners shouldn’t just think about their emergency needs. Pet owners should make sure they stock ample supply of pet food incase owners are unable to leave their houses.
According to Bark Busters, it is also important to have a large supply of bottled water incase the pet owner’s home water supply gets contaminated. Also be sure to have extra bedding if the electricity should go out and the animal may have an accident, the pet will be comfortable.
Also, according to the dog training company, pet owners should always have their pets’ prescription filled and have extra medicine on hand.
A number of kennels in the area will be closed and are asking pet owners who have pets bordered to come pick them up.
Tomball Pet Resort, located at 9955 FM 2920, is among those planning to close this afternoon and is asking pet owners to come pick up their animals by noon.
“We will be closed through out the weekend,” said Kanki Frohlich, store manager.
According to PetSmart, a pet supply retail chain, if at home, bring pets indoors.
Bark Busters, a dog training company, issued a few pre-storm tips to help pet owners keep their dogs calm when the hurricane hits:
Create a special area in the home where the dog will feel safe. A crate or kennel can be a calming refuge, but only if introduced in advance. Pet owners who do not already have a safe haven should try tethering their pets to them with a leash and allowing the pet to stick close.
If a pet is not leashed to a pet owner or tucked away in a crate, remove items from the room that the dog could destroy or could hurt them if chewed. Some dogs become destructive when frightened.
Keep widows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes. Curtains can also help protect the homeowner and their pet from broken glass in case of high winds.
In case of an electrical storm, turn on a battery-powered radio -- consider a weather radio -- at normal volume to distract dogs from loud noises and help them to relax. A dog’s sense of hearing is acute - at least 10 times more sensitive than humans.
Pet owners should also try to remain calm. Frightened children and scurrying adults are the last thing a pet needs to stay calm.
The pet training facility is also urging pet owners to take some time before the storm to prepare their animals in case of an emergency.
Make sure pets are wearing up to date tags on their collars. This is vital if a pet happens to get away during the storm.
Pet owners shouldn’t just think about their emergency needs. Pet owners should make sure they stock ample supply of pet food incase owners are unable to leave their houses.
According to Bark Busters, it is also important to have a large supply of bottled water incase the pet owner’s home water supply gets contaminated. Also be sure to have extra bedding if the electricity should go out and the animal may have an accident, the pet will be comfortable.
Also, according to the dog training company, pet owners should always have their pets’ prescription filled and have extra medicine on hand.
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