10/10/2026
🐾 HURRICANE PET SAFETY GUIDE. Longer Post but worth the read….
Maricamp Animal Hospital – Ocala, Florida
Vet for Life! ❤️🐶🐱
🌪️ Hurricane season is here! Are your furry family members prepared?
Hurricanes in Central Florida can bring extreme heat, power outages, flooding, and disruptions to everyday routines. At Maricamp Animal Hospital, we want to help you keep your pets safe, comfortable, and healthy before, during, and after a storm.
❄️ KEEP YOUR PETS COOL DURING POWER OUTAGES
Florida's heat and humidity can become dangerous for pets when air conditioning is unavailable.
Freeze damp towels ahead of time. Place clean, damp towels in the freezer before the storm. Once the power goes out, allow them to soften and warm slightly before placing them on the floor for your pet to rest beside or on voluntarily. Never force a pet to lie on a frozen towel.
Stock up on cooling supplies. Freeze water bottles to place near resting areas, wrapped in towels to prevent direct contact with skin.
Provide plenty of fresh, cool water. Keep extra water available at all times.
Create a shaded, ventilated resting area. Keep pets away from direct sunlight and use battery-operated fans when possible.
Avoid unnecessary exercise. Limit outdoor activity, especially during the hottest hours.
Watch for overheating. Excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, or collapse may indicate heatstroke.
🚨 IMPORTANT: Heatstroke is a medical emergency! If your pet shows signs of overheating, move them to a cooler location, begin cooling with cool (not ice-cold) water, and seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
💧 FOOD & WATER: STOCK UP BEFORE THE STORM
Prepare enough supplies for at least 7 days, preferably 10–14 days.
✅ Bottled water for drinking and cleaning.
✅ Dry or canned pet food stored in waterproof containers.
✅ Manual can opener for canned food.
✅ Food and water bowls.
✅ Treats and familiar comfort items.
✅ Puppy pads, litter, waste bags, and cleaning supplies.
Helpful tip: Fill clean containers with drinking water before the storm. Do not rely on tap water remaining safe after flooding or water-system damage.
💊 MEDICATIONS & MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Don't wait until the hurricane arrives to request prescription refills!
Request a minimum 2-week supply of essential medications, preferably enough for longer disruptions.
Check prescription expiration dates.
Ask your veterinarian about anxiety medications if your pet becomes frightened during thunderstorms or hurricanes.
Keep heartworm prevention and flea/tick medications available.
Prepare a pet first-aid kit.
Keep copies of vaccination records and medical information in a waterproof bag.
Plan ahead for medications requiring refrigeration, such as insulin. Ask your veterinarian or pharmacist about safe storage during outages.
🐾 Does your pet experience storm anxiety?
Thunder, lightning, high winds, and changes in routine can cause significant stress.
Contact Maricamp Animal Hospital before the storm to discuss appropriate anxiety medications and calming options for your pet.
🏠 CREATE A SAFE SPACE INSIDE YOUR HOME
Choose a secure interior room away from windows.
Bring all pets indoors before severe weather begins.
Provide comfortable bedding, blankets, and favorite toys.
Keep carriers and leashes nearby.
Make sure collars have updated identification tags.
Keep cats in a secure room or carrier when doors may be opening frequently.
Never leave pets outside or tethered during a hurricane.
🚗 PREPARE AN EVACUATION KIT
If you need to evacuate, take your pets with you!
Your pet's emergency bag should contain food, water, medications, vaccination records, leashes, harnesses, carriers, bedding, and sanitation supplies.
Identify pet-friendly evacuation destinations before the storm. Not all emergency shelters accept pets, and requirements may vary.
⚡ AFTER THE STORM
Keep pets indoors or on a leash until conditions are safe.
Avoid standing water, downed power lines, debris, and unfamiliar wildlife. Never allow pets to drink floodwater.
Remember that damaged fences and unfamiliar surroundings can increase the risk of pets becoming lost.
