Floods and pets: How can we protect and help?

Aflood is a natural disaster, distinguished by its powerful and destructive force, which can take human life and cause great damage, in just a few minutes and even seconds. This situation is dangerous for both people and their pets. The best thing dog or cat owners can do for them, in the event of a flood, is to develop a safety plan and follow it. Understanding what to do before, during and after a disaster can help a lot.

What to do before a flood

People living in areas where flooding is a common occurrence are always on the lookout and are always as prepared as they can be for such a situation. Deliberate planning and preparation are often the most effective ways to protect your pet in a flood. In all cases, households should have a quick plan of action. Some storms cause flash floods that turn into a wall of water several feet high. What can you do?

Make a flood protection plan for your pet that should include the following:

• Take precautions because in the event of a flood alert, it is important to contact a veterinarian you know;
• If the disaster is major, then you should consider evacuating and taking your dog to a pet hostel. There he can get help in case of emergency because the place has specially trained staff;
• Make sure all your pet's vaccinations are still valid;
• Emergency preparations should include medications, blankets, and enough food and water that your pet needs for a week. In addition, it is a good idea to prepare his basic documents, such as photo identification, vet book and other documents, in addition to yours;
• In case of flooding, it is good to have a list of shelters where animals can be temporarily sheltered;
• Put a collar on your dog or cat that has your contact details on it, such as phone number, address, email and the animal's name.

What to do with your pet during a flood

The first and most important thing during a flood is to keep calm and put a leash on your dog in case of an evacuation. This is necessary because in such a situation, most animals become nervous and instinctively want to escape. When you catch them on a leash, you can control them more easily.

Smaller pets such as cats, rabbits or hamsters are best kept in a cage. This way the situation will seem less unusual and they will be more relaxed.

If your pet has trouble walking or running, then you should take it to a safe place. This could be the local shelter, or a hostel where they can look after it until the danger has passed. If you still can't evacuate, then the attic or roof of your home are the places where it is safest and where water is unlikely to reach. Once you are safe, it is important to reassure the animal, cuddle it, stroke it and talk to it, thus reducing its fear.

What to do after a flood

If you experience the situation, it is very important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian who can best assess its physical and emotional condition according to the experience. You should also be aware that some animals can suffer from shock or post-traumatic stress disorder, as humans do. Signs of this include lack of appetite, insomnia and nervousness, but also problems with socialization. Getting back to normal routines quickly after a flood helps both people and their pets get over the experience more easily. In some cases, experts recommend medication to control the effects of post-traumatic stress. Your veterinarian is the one who can help our pet recover from a difficult situation.

Seek help

If during or after a flood you find yourself in a situation where you cannot cope on your own, it is best to seek help. The earlier people ask for help, the quicker they will get it.

Check out all the campaigns on PavelAndreev.ORG or start your own.

Lost dogs during a flood can often be found with the assistance of local pet rescue organisations. To do this, they may need information about your pet.

If you are a flood victim you can seek both medical help and financial support that may be offered after the flood. In addition to physical injuries, people and pets can also experience psychological injuries. To cope with this condition or to help your dog overcome the stress of the disaster, it is a good idea to remain calm and stick to your protection plan. In situations like this, there are many people or community organizations that, through charity, try to help not only the people but also the animals that have suffered. Many companies and foundations organize donation campaigns to help dog and cat shelters where flood injured animals can be temporarily housed. The help consists in:

• Recruiting volunteer veterinarians to care for the animals' physical and mental condition;
• Organizing donation drives to raise the funds needed to purchase food, medicine and other necessary supplies for the pets;
• Making an appeal or organizing various charity campaigns in the media or social networks, with an appeal to help the pets, from the flood affected areas.

What is the role of the Pavel Andreev Foundation in providing assistance to pets

At the Pavel Andreev Foundation, we feel for victims of flooding or other natural disasters. We value highly not only the lives of people, but also their pets. For this reason, on our website PavelAndreev.ORG, you can find various charity initiatives that we strive to help anyone in need. You can get involved in any charity campaign or let us know your ideas for charity to help pets and their owners affected by flooding.