Your pet can’t tell you when it’s tummy feels funny or if it’s experiencing a burning sensation every time it urinates, which is why preventative care for pets is so important. Pure breds can have even more health issues, which can become costly. My friend’s bulldog had so many staph infections and eye issues, and unfortunately, I think the dog will always have health problems. Being able to make those annual veterinary appointments is beneficial, because it can save you money in the long run.

Unexpected events are not fun, but they are a learning experience. In an effort to increase awareness about these unexpected pet events, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI) has created the Hambone Award. This is the first national award of its kind, and it’s awarded to a pet who experienced one of these unexpected events and made a full recovery as well as received reimbursements for eligible veterinary expenses.

Obviously, you need to thoroughly read the pet insurance’s policy and determine if it’s the right plan for you. Oh, and there’s that budget issue too. You want to be able to keep paying your mortgage or rent. You and kitty do need a roof over your head.

When you have strictly indoor pets, you don’t want to take the chance of them getting outside. So it’s best to keep them in the basement or closed off room where there is sufficient ventilation and some room to eat, drink water, potty and play. Checking on them every hour or two can ensure that they feel safe and are not fighting with each other, if you have multiple pets.

An aggressive dog or untrained puppy should probably be kept in a gated room or kennel, because you don’t want a guest to get bit or hurt in any way. Try to make the area as comfortable as possible with toys and blankets. If people wish to visit your dog, make sure you allow one person at a time so you don’t cause more anxiety. Letting your pet socialize from a safe distance might help their behavior improve too. Also, treats and praise can be helpful tools as well as retaining a sense of peace and calmness.

If you plan on letting your pets roam wherever they please, especially if you have a fenced-in yard, you should let guests know ahead of time that you have pets. Also, if you want to discourage guests giving your dog or cat people food, post up flyers near the food and doors. Or create a plate of holiday treats especially for your pet that guests can dole out.

Following these tips will prevent accidents and help your pets and guests enjoy themselves.

A serious fall like the one describe above might not have happened to you, but you probably had “almost falls” and trips over your pet. Spinal fractures and head injuries commonly occur in the elderly as a result of slipping on spilled pasta sauce to tumbling outside a grocery store. When you’re bones become weaker, it can take one fall to completely take away your independence and mobility, which is scary.

Dogs and cats enjoy following their owners around the house, but it can become dangerous, especially if you’re walking down your steep flight of steps to the basement. If your pet knew how to stay, you would be able to take your time up and down the steps. Along with obedience training, there are some other ways to prevent falls.

• Shake a can of pennies when you go up and down the steps to deter your pet from following.
• Temporarily put your dog or cat in a crate before bringing in groceries or moving around furniture.
• Use a harness on your dog and a shorter leash. Make sure the harness has a metal ring at the top so the leash stays up near the dog’s shoulders instead of on the ground.

Granted accidents happen and the last thing you want to do is fall on your pet, but obedience training can keep your pet patient and less anxious about following your heels. This is especially important if yo have an elderly relative living with you.

• Purchase an updated ID tag for your pet’s collar. This should include the pet’s name and pet owner contact information (address and phone). If you want to ensure that your dog or cat’s ID is known, spend $20 to $60 for a veterinarian to microchip your pet. This will make it easier for you to locate and identify your pet if he/she becomes lost in the chaos.

• Keep a spare pet carrier or crate setup in an extra room or basement. This should be stocked with a blanket, bowls, food and bottled water. If you have to leave your home unexpectedly due to an emerging hurricane, you can tuck your pet safely away and drive off to a shelter or other location more inland. For larger pets or those with medical issues such as diabetes, prepare an overnight bag with medication and any other necessities. Depending on traffic and the urgency of the situation, you could be in a car or away from pet stores for hours or even days.

• Never allow your pet off its leash during a natural disaster. During these times, the weather can produce the most frightening sounds, which can cause your pet to run away in fear. It’s best to keep your pet in a carrier, and if you have enough room, keep a pee pad or small litter box in the carrier.

• Think before leaving your animal behind. In times of panic, it’s easy to loose your common sense. Leaving your pets will reduce their chances of survival, especially if they are not accustomed to outdoor living. Rising floodwaters and lack of food can make survival close to impossible.

• Make arrangements with friends or family members who live more inland in case a mandatory evacuation takes place. Also, have a listing of hotels or shelters, because this might enable your entire family to reach safety. Wasted time can leave you a prisoner in your own home.

These pet safety tips can keep your pet alive and with you during a hurricane. When you have your loved ones around you, it makes it easier to face the storm ahead.