Over two million people lost power in the East during the summer of 2009, and many were without power for weeks. People of Puerto Rico lost power to the entire island for months, and Texas has seen plenty of damage from flooding and hurricanes.
We have become very reliant on modern conveniences, just as our pets have. Being home-bound in the heat with no power is not only dangerous for people, but also for dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, birds, and critters.
If you can prepare for an emergency power loss ahead of time, you and your pets will be much more comfortable.
Extreme heat kills hundreds of people and pets each year. Now more than ever, it’s important to prepare for extreme temperatures, brown-outs, black-outs, and heatstroke.
Don’t let a simple power outage put your pets at risk of death.
As longtime residents of the Southwest, we are familiar with the dangers of heat and hope we can give you some ideas on how to cope.
How to Prepare for Power Loss
Education
Extreme heat kills and it can impact some pets faster than others.
- Know that senior pets are especially at risk. They have a more difficult time releasing excess heat and tend to run hot on the best of days.
- Understand that indoors may not be the best solution. Create an area with shade and plenty of ventilation. Self-cooling beds are also important.
- Damp towels will help you stay cool and swamp jackets may help your pets stay cooler.
- Don’t forget about your fish and birds. They don’t do well in heat and they should be a first priority. (Instructions on caring for them can be found here: Keeping You and Your aquariums alive during summer blackouts)
- Water is of utmost importance during power outages. Be sure your pets have easy access to cool, clean water at all times.
- Know how to make a self-powered air-conditioner from a 5-gallon bucket (or old cooler). Instructions can be found here.
- Know what the symptoms of heatstroke are (check out our Heat Related Pet Resources.
- Know CPR for pets and people.
- Have a plan – here’s our Checklist for Pet Safety During Storm
Remember that Heat Kills
Preparing for Power Loss
Lighting
Candles are very dangerous for people and pets, yet they are still the “go to” item for creating light.
Instead of using candles, consider Battery Powered Lanterns
Generator
This is the optimal solution to any power outage but not everyone can afford it. Either work with a neighbor to discuss power-sharing opportunities or consider a smaller generator that will assist you in powering things such as a fish tank filter and a few lights.
Protecting Fish and Aquariums
Fish are particularly susceptible to power outages and the second that filter stalls, your beloved aquariums are at risk.
Here is your free guide to Keeping Aquariums Alive During Summer Blackouts
Meanwhile, consider a Marina Battery-Operated Air Pump
Stay Cool
- Drink a LOT of water. Generally our body eliminates waste from the prior day, so if you feel suddenly dehydrated, you’ve already been dehydrated. It’s important to drink even when you don’t feel like you need it.
- Coax your pets to drink a lot of water. This is really important for cats who don’t generally enjoy drinking water on the hottest of days. Make it into a game if you have to.
- Keep windows and doors open at night to allow for air circulation and cooler temps. However, be sure to close them in the early morning.
- Cold showers can help you and your pet. Stand under the hose and hope the water is cool.
- Use cooling bandannas around your neck. They can help you keep your core temperature lower.
- Eat smaller meals throughout the day. Small meals help your body not work as hard throughout the day.
Stay at Home
- Keep windows and doors open for ventilation, but cover windows with sheets or shades to reduce heating from sunlight.
- Keep extra water bowls out for your pet as they should be encouraged to drink.
- Know the signs of heatstroke
- Know your pet: Short-nosed dogs will have a much more difficult time with the heat and humidity as they are not able to cool off or stay cool as easily as long-nosed pets. Keep Pugs, Pits, Boxers, Shih-tzus and other dogs and cats in a cool area.
- Know the ambient temperature: Humidity makes it far more difficult for pets to cool down, as they have a different cooling mechanism.
- Know how to cool pets down: If you suspect your dog has overheated or suffering from heat exhaustion, take pet to the veterinarian immediately.
- Take a drive: If you decide to climb into the car and drive around a bit to cool off, be sure your pet is properly secured. Never leave your pets in the car and if you get out to take a walk, be sure your pets paws are protected.
Bug Out
- Keep a Bug-Out Bag stocked:Keep copies of your paperwork for pets in the bag so you don’t have to worry about finding them in case you need to leave. All boarding facilities will require this paperwork.
- Pet-friendly hotels: There are thousands of hotels that allow pets, many of which can be found online. Print out a list of pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, and veterinary facilities. If your power is out, you will not have internet access to look up these groups.Call them ahead of time and make sure you have the paperwork they require stored in your bug-out bag.
- Friends and relatives: If you cannot locate or afford a pet friendly hotel or resort, ask friends or relatives with power to house your pets for a few days.
- Boarding Facilities: There hundreds of boarding facilities and private residences who allow pets to board by the day or for longer periods of time. Google “boarding” or “Dog daycare” for the results closest to you.
“This extreme heat and humidity can pose health risks for people, but it’s also a dangerous time for our pets,” said Niki Dawson, director of disaster response for The HSUS. “The Humane Society of the United States reminds everyone that the heat can be fatal for their pets and urges them to take precautions to protect our furry friends during this record-setting hot spell.”
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