Dogs and cats and floods: Prepare, evacuate, and take care after the flood recedes.
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- If you must evacuate, take your dog or cat with you. Do not leave them chained or caged downstairs.
- Prepare at least one week's worth of food, clean water, medicine, leashes, cages, and cat litter.
- Do not allow dogs and cats to eat flood water. Risk of leptospirosis and other germs
- The dog is lethargic, not eating, or has a fever after wading in the water. Take him to the veterinarian immediately.
- The leptospirosis vaccine is recommended for all dogs. and must receive a booster injection every year
Short answer
during the flood Dogs and cats are at risk of drowning, getting lost, and water-borne diseases. The thing that helps the most is to prepare before the water comes. and take them with you when you have to evacuate
Dr. Anan Suntra, veterinarian at Thonglor Animal Hospital They say the best thing is to always be prepared. and plan in advance since receiving the notification
What do you prepare before the water comes?
Prepare essential items for at least one week, including a leash, strong cage, food, drinking water, cat litter, food bowls, and personal medicine if you have a medical condition. Include a toy or cushion with his own scent. Can help reduce stress.
Keep a vaccination book, microchip number, and a current photo with obvious defects to help you find and identify yourself if you get lost. Then plan ahead if you have to evacuate. Where can I take animals?
Complete vaccinations, deworming and flea and tick protection. Animals that are already healthy are better able to cope with disease during flooding.
How to evacuate dogs and cats?
The first rule is never to leave them chained or caged downstairs. If you really can't take him with you, remove the leash or open the cage. At least he can swim away or climb up high himself.
The dog immediately put on the leash, no matter how obedient he was. The sound of water can make you startle and run away. If you start to become aggressive because you are stressed. Use a muzzle to protect the safety of the person holding it.
Cats put in cages or baskets with tightly closed lids. Do not carry your bare hands through the water. A startled cat may scratch and jump into the water. Cover the cage with a cloth to reduce stress from the sounds and sights of the water.
Write your phone number on the collar with a waterproof pen. and take photos with pets and keep them on your phone
during the flood
Keep dogs and cats on the highest, driest place. Do not expose it directly to flood water. Flood water is often contaminated with chemicals, water from pipes, and germs. Do not eat flood water. And be careful not to eat food or things floating in the water.
Snakes, centipedes, and scorpions also flee the water. And often comes to hide in the house or under piles of things. The Department of Disease Control recommends that you shine a flashlight before walking or picking up things. If water enters the house Cut off the power from a safe place first.
If he goes into hiding and doesn't have to evacuate. Leave it in a quiet hiding place, don't force it to come out. Startled animals may be more aggressive than usual. Examine him carefully.
Leptospirosis in dogs and cats
Leptospirosis is released in the urine of infected animals. Mostly rats And can stay in standing water or moist soil for a long time. Dogs become infected when contaminated water or soil touches their gums or damaged skin.
Common symptoms include not eating or not eating, lethargy, and high fever. In severe cases, kidney and liver damage can lead to death. Cats can become infected by eating rats, but this is rare.
The leptospirosis vaccine is recommended for all dogs as a routine vaccine. and must receive a booster injection every year Dogs that have already been sick should still get the shot.
This disease can infect people. If the dog might be sick Do not allow urine to touch your skin directly. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning. Then wipe the spot with household disinfectant or bleach mixed with water.
After the water recedes, what symptoms do you see?
Examine yourself thoroughly if you are lethargic, have lost your appetite, walk with a limp, or have sores on your feet. Take him to the veterinarian. Dry yourself thoroughly every time you get wet. Long-term wet fur can cause skin inflammation, itching, odor, and fungal infections. Especially long-haired dogs Some cats lick their bodies abnormally, causing wounds.
Crowded animals such as in a shelter Risk of catching the flu Dogs may be infected with distemper. Your cat may have cat flu if you are coughing, sneezing, have a runny nose, have wet eyes, or have a loss of appetite. Consult a veterinarian.
Replace cat litter and all items that were damaged by flooding. and give him time to adjust After evacuating or moving Your dog or cat may hide, become aggressive, or moan more than usual. Stay in a quiet and peaceful place.
People in the house are also at risk of Leptospirosis.
The Department of Disease Control stated that Leptospirosis in humans usually begins symptoms 1 to 2 weeks after exposure to water, including high fever, headache, muscle pain, especially in the calves and back, red eyes, nausea, and vomiting. If you have symptoms, see a doctor immediately and tell them that you have been wading through flood waters.
If you have to wade through water to help animals Wear booties, cover wounds completely, and wash hands, feet, and body with soap immediately after getting out of the water. Inquire about the disease at the Department of Disease Control hotline 1422.
Frequently asked questions
If I have to evacuate but can't take my dog, what should I do?
Do not leave them chained or caged downstairs. Either release the leash or open the cage. So that he can swim away or climb to higher places on his own. To be chained or locked up is to limit the chance of survival.
Can dogs and cats eat flood water?
No, flood waters may contain leptospirosis, chemicals, and germs from pipes. Prepare clean water to drink for at least 1 week.
Can cats get leptospirosis?
Yes, but it's rare. Cats usually get the disease from eating rats. Dogs are much more at risk. Because it can be contracted from infected water or soil touching the gums or wounds.
The dog waded through the flood waters. What symptoms should I watch for?
Check to see if you are lethargic, not eating, have a fever, are limping, or have sores on your feet. If so, take them to the veterinarian. Common symptoms of leptospirosis include not eating, lethargy, and high fever.
Do you have to get the leptospirosis vaccine every year?
This vaccine is recommended for all dogs. And you have to get a booster injection every year to get good protection. Consult your veterinarian about the injection cycle for each individual.
Sources: www.thaipbs.or.th · vcahospitals.com · www.dailynews.co.th · www.thairath.co.th · www.dailynews.co.th