As with the rest of your family, it’s important to plan for your pet before, during and after a natural disaster. While making emergency plans for your family, make sure you know of the pet friendly hotels and shelters in your area, so that if a disaster does occur, you know which places will accept your pet.

You should have an emergency kit planned and ready to go for your family that also includes important things for your pet, like food, medications, veterinary records and other supplies that may not be available later.

If you are evacuated from your home, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests that you take your pets with you. Most pets cannot survive on their own if left behind, and if they do, they are often lost after you return to your home.

Making sure your pet has a secure tag with up-to-date information could help your pet be returned to you if you get separated later on.

Learn more about what to do with your pets during and after a disaster.

While sugarless products may be better for our teeth and waistlines, they are not safe for dogs and ferrets. Xylitol, a common ingredient in sugarless gum, candies and baked goods, can cause these pets to have seizures and liver failure.

If you suspect your dog or ferret has ingested xylitol, watch for vomiting, loss of coordination and depression. Your pet may get sick within minutes or days after eating xylitol. If you know or suspect that your pet has ingested xylitol, contact your vet or a pet poison control center right away.

Learn more about the dangers sugarless candies pose to your pets.