How will my dog go to the bathroom in a hurricane? Q mainly for florida pet owners?

Question

Heyy, I'm new to Florida. We just moved here last year. Our first hurricane is on its way. I just got a rescue dog a few weeks ago and he wont "go potty" on command yet (i dont know if he ever will, but it would really be nice) and he hates going in our yard... How is he supposed to go to the bathroom in a hurricane? How do you do it with your pets? Do you take them outside (eek) or do you figure out a way to make them go somewhere special in the house?

Also, our neighbors are already putting up window shutters! we're on southwest florida.. 10 minutes from the beach. Should we already be putting up shutters when it's not expected until Tuesday morning? Better safe than sorry?

any suggestions on a hurricane kit for us to pick up tomorrow - i know this is supposed to be a baby hurricane, but I'd rather be prepared. Thanks :-)

Answer 1

I'm in southeast Florida and hadn't heard anything about a hurricane, so I turned on the weather channel and found out it's true.  It's supposed on hit the Keys and parts of Miami-Dade counties Monday and Tuesday.

Anyway, to answer your question, you will need lots and lots of batteries and flashlights in case you lose power.  When Wilma hit, I didn't have electricty for 2 weeks.  You will need about 3 gallons of bottled water per person for drinking purposes.  A battery operated radio radio would be great if you have one.  You will also need a minimum of 3 days worth of non-perishable food such as bread, peanut butter, and things like that.  

If you have a big cooler, you can fill it with ice, so if your power does go out, at least you will have cold drinks instead off warm drinks.  You should fill your bath tub with water, which can be used for washing your hands and dishes.

Get any money from an ATM beforhand case you need to purchase something from a a store or gas station.  If you have to take any prescription medications, get them now if possible.

If you have a generator, then stock up on extra gas so you can run it.  As for your hurricane shutters , it's up to you when to put them up.   My husband and I always do that last, but we have the kind that just slide closed.

Last but not least ... your new puppy :-)  You do not want to be taking him outside when the wind is blowing.  I  haven't heard what category this is expected to be, but if it's like Wilma was 3 years ago, you will want to wait until everything settles down.  I took my dog out when the eye of the storm was overhead and it was somewhat calm for about an hour.  This is why it's a good idea to have a battery operated radio .

I'm adding some links for Hurricane Preparedness that you might find helpful.    For now, stay safe.  Hurricanes have been know to change course, so with any luck, this one will miss us.

PS - Excue the typos.  I did spell check, but think it may have missed some :-)

Answer 2

I live in miami I've been here my whole life and whenever a hurricane hit when I was little I remember My dog use to pee and p**p on a pee pee pad that we bought specifically for for dogs to trian them to use the bathroom..

Answer 3

Welcome to Florida!

As for the bathroom issue with a hurricane, the best you can do is take them out before things get too rough, and between feeder bands take them out. We're in the NW Panhandle (Hurricane Alley) and if it starts getting rough outside, they usually hunker down and have no desire to go out.

Your emergency kit: always make sure you pack any med you or your dog are on. I put enough dog food for 5 days in an airtight container, spare leash and a few 20 oz bottles of water (gal jugs are too bulky and heavy if you need to get out in a hurry).

Answer 4

You can't make your dog to the bathroom on command. You can't control when you have to go or not. You can train him/her to go potty outside though. If you're worried about him/her going potty inside while a hurricane then try doggy diapers/pads during them.

Well, I don't live in a place that experiences hurricanes but I'm guessing your neighbors have been there longer than you so I'd go ahead and start putting up shutters. Why not go and ask them too, I'm sure they'll have a lot of great advice on what to do/when to do things for a hurricane.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Well we took my dogs outside two times a day. But if you dont want to then put newspaper in cetin spots. That  helps.

Answer 6

FAY is on her WAY!.. LOL i live in south Florida .. Ft. Lauderdale

I don't think it'll be that bad. You can take him or her out before or after it. thats what i'm doing with mine. Or you can set out newspaper or potty pads. and the only one that was really bad that i remeber was Wilma. and i no Andrew but i only remember Wilma cause i'm only a teen and have lived in Florida for 8 yrs. and if Fay stays a tropical storm then there should be nothing to worry about just make sure to have lots of batteries and even a generator just incase the lights go out

- Good Luck

Answer 7

Well the good thing about using commands like "go out" for pee and "go finish" for p**p, is that the dog knows what you want from him when his environment changes, like when you go on vacation.  I would use a pee pad method, or litter box method, or maybe put a newspaper down in a kitchen or laundry room or bathroom.  You might also consider keeping the dog in the crate during the storm.  My friend does that where she lives.  I would put up the shutters too.  Bottled water, candles, radio, cell phone, batteries.  I have battery operated fans to deal with the heat for my dogs.  Things to eat if the power goes out.  cash might be a good idea.  Gas up the car.