By the National Animal Protection Association
Rainy season is again upon us, and usually this time of year complaints come flooding in at the National Animal Protection Association, or ANPA. The most frequent complaints usually involve dogs that are left in the rain, tied up or unattended to by owners.
We’ve come to notice in our work that many animal owners simply aren’t aware of the basic living conditions their pets need, as well as the steps owners should take to prevent their animals from becoming victims during the rainy season.
Even though the National Meteo-rological Institute has predicted fewer cyclones, hurricanes and storms for this year compared to last, seasonal rains will be enough to make pets sick.
If you have an outdoor pet, ANPA recommends the following tips to keep your pet safe this season:
• A Comfortable and Safe Shelter: Every animal has the right to a clean, dry and comfortable shelter. After all, that’s where outdoor pets will spend the most time during the rainy season.
Make sure your pet’s shelter has a reliable roof without leaks. Water should also not be able to splash inside and the shelter should stay dry and free from moisture inside. Watch out for floods! Place the shelter in an area where water does not accumulate. Keep your pet high and dry.
The walls of your pet’s shelter are also important, as they help protect against wind and cold weather. Place a matt or old blanket on the ground of the shelter to protect from the cold.
In choosing a location, watch out for areas that are exposed to lightning strikes, prone to flooding, or near rivers, ditches and steep drop-offs.
• Freedom of Movement: Walks, games and other exercise are important for your pet year-round, as they help reduce stress on your animal. Continuous rain often reduces the frequency of these important walks. To compensate, play with your pet more indoors. Chasing a ball or other toy is often a good way to exercise your pet.
Freedom of movement is important for all pets year-round. Don’t let your pet loose in the streets without supervision, but also make sure your pet isn’t tied up all the time. If you do tie your pet up, make sure the leash permits the animal to move about.
Pets should always have access to adequate shelter and under no circumstance should you leave your pet tied up in the rain.
During emergencies, any escape or evacuation plan should always include your pets. Prepare a first-aid kit for your pets too, in case they become wounded. If possible, never abandon them during a disaster.
For more information on how you can keep your pet safe this rainy season, or for other tips, call the ANPA at 22255-3757 or visit our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/anpacostarica.
The National Animal Protection Association (in Spanish, la Asociación Nacional Protectora de Animales, or ANPA) is located at #1722, Avenida 8 between Calles 17 and 19, in San José. For more information, call or email info@anpacostarica.org.
