Flood Preparedness for Dogs

Last week was a tough one. My south Louisiana hometown was completely flooded. I paced all weekend as family and friends feared floodwater would continue rising overnight. Most of my Louisiana friends and family have dogs, and they were extremely concerned about evacuation protocols pertaining to dogs if they were forced to abandon their homes. Several friends and family contacted 911 and were told emergency personnel wouldn’t evacuate dogs and they would only rescue people. Of course, my friends and family refused to leave their dogs behind in their flooded homes.

This article contains real flood survival tips that my family members used during the worst flood in Louisiana history. I hope these pet emergency tips help you in your time of need too.

Real Survival Tips

My best friend, her husband, and my three Godchildren and their four dogs were completely surrounded by waist-deep water. They were unable to leave, as their cars were flooded. A freak storm had formed over south Louisiana and poured more than 24 inches of rain within 25 hours. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a flood warning, which means they weren’t prepared to evacuate.

They were completely stuck in their homes while water was rushing inside and rain poured outside. I sat on the phone, listening to my friend and her husband struggling to put together a plan. They were panicking. Several of their neighbors dialed 911 and were rescued. This wasn’t an option for my friend and her family though because they would’ve been forced to leave their dogs.

As it continued to rain, they made room in their attic. They brought a chainsaw with them in case they needed to cut through the roof to get out. Each adult and child packed a small bag of clothes. They also packed a bag of dog food and fresh water for each dog. They waited inside their flooded home until the storm had passed. Thankfully, floodwaters remained steady and the rain finally stopped around 2:00am, which then the floodwater quickly receded. I don’t think they will ever forget that night and neither will I.

A few other family members were forced out of their homes, so they loaded themselves and their dogs inside of their boats. They floated along for hours until Good Samaritans found them and towed them to dry land. Everyone was soaking wet, but they and their pets were safe.

Pets and Floods Advice

Flash flooding happens within hours and without any warning. With hurricanes, residents are given plenty of time to evacuate if needed, but flash flooding is pretty much like tornadoes in that you never know when or if it will affect you.

I remember living in North Texas where we had been surrounded by several tornadoes. We stood in front of the TV, holding our leashed dogs and emergency bags, looking for an opening to drive through. At least we could have left during that natural disaster, but we wouldn’t have that luxury during a flood. If you share your home with dogs (or any pets), it’s so important to prepare ahead of time with disaster kits and a couple of emergency plans.

Flash flooding is about survival, and preparation will most definitely help.

Before a Flood Occurs

• Prepare an evacuation kit for your dog.
• Make sure your dog’s ID tags contain your most updated information, including a family member’s cellphone if you’re unable to be reached.
• Update your dog’s microchip information within days of moving to a new home. Again, add a close family member’s contact information just in case you’re unable.
• Download a pet first aid app for your smartphone; you never know when you’ll need it.
• If you haven’t created a pet first aid kit, I advise you to do so or at least purchase one now.

If Your Home Floods

• Never leave your dog home alone during a flood. If you evacuate, your dog must go with you. It’s not fair to leave your dog alone to fend for herself; it’s like leaving a small child behind in floodwater.
• Your dog will be scared. Everything looks and smells different plus you’re freaking out. Your dog will sense your anxiety and freak out as well.
• Don’t crate or tie out your dog. She needs freedom to move away from rising waters.
• Block the flooded area with furniture, crates or baby gates. Floodwater is contaminated with sewage. When flooding occurs, sewage backs up and spills out into floodwater. Plus, many biting insects ride along the water’s surface, so it’s vital to keep your dog away from floodwater.
• Place clean bowls of fresh water on top of furniture, fireplace stoops and coffee tables.
• When bringing your dog out to potty, bring her on leash so long as the floodwater level is safe for your dog’s height.
• If floodwater is high in your backyard, or your dog refuses to potty in floodwater, I recommend creating a safe potty area in your home with potty pads. Make sure to place potty pads away from floodwater—even if it’s on a higher surface area.
• Make sure your dog is wearing a collar, and keep a leash handy if needed.

If Your Dog is Separated From You

• Send out an urgent “my dog is lost” message on social media. Post a current description of your dog, last seen location, your current contact information, a friend’s contact information and picture of your dog on all your social media channels. Make sure to change the setting to public, so your story can be shared over and over again.
• Search through Twitter and Facebook for local “lost pets” pages, and post your dog’s information along with your current contact information. Contact Animal Control and local makeshift shelters. Their phone lines will be busy, but keep calling.
• Don’t stop looking: Animal shelters are packed with lost animals during floods, so keep checking and let everyone know your story.

If you weren’t affected by the flood, it’s important to jump into action and help your neighbors. I’m convinced that if it weren’t for Good Samaritans, or “The Cajun Navy,” many two and four-legged lives would’ve been lost. These kind souls literally launched their personal boats into flooded water and searched house to house for people and pets in need.

Go Cajun Navy. I can’t thank you enough!!!