24/08/2012
PET CARE TIP OF THE DAY: Hurricane preparation for Pets.
When disaster strikes, the very last thing you want to do is frantically gather critical supplies for your family and your pets. You may have assembled a disaster preparedness kits for people, but do you have one for your pet?
The best way to avert disaster is to be totally prepared for it, so do yourself and your four-legged friends a favor and assemble an emergency preparedness kit especially for your pets.
Keep the same type of emergency kit for your dog or cat as you would for your family.
Store everything in a plastic tub or in a pet crate in a convenient place. Include these items:
Extra pet medications
Cat or dog first aid kit (see below)
Food, treats, water, bowls
Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers
Pet beds, blankets and toys
In a waterproof bag, store information about feeding, medical conditions and any behavior problems; copies of the pet license, vaccination records and microchip paperwork; and current photos. Every six months, switch out the food and treats to keep them fresh, and check the pet meds to make sure they haven’t expired.
Pet First Aid Kit
Although human first aid kits have many supplies that will work for pet emergencies, they don’t have everything you’ll need to help your pet in a critical situation. Either purchase a cat or dog first aid kit or assemble your own with these supplies:
Gauze sponges
Triple antibacterial ointment
Rubbing alcohol
Betadine
Ear syringe
Cotton squares
Q-tips
Ace bandages
Gauze bandages
Nonstick wrapping bandages
Bandage scissors
Sterile, non-adherent pad
Hypoallergenic tape
White petroleum jelly
Eye wash
Hot spot spray or foam
Pepto Bismol tablets
Benadryl
Buffered aspirin
Kaopectate tablets
Hydrocortisone 1% cream
Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting)
Tweezers
Muzzle
Re**al thermometer
Keep your main pet first-aid kit at home, and store a smaller kit in your car.
Pet First Aid/CPR Classes
Lost Dog Flier
It’s a good idea to create a lost pet flier for each of your pets before an emergency happens. That way, if one of them escapes, you’ll be able to respond more quickly.
Design a simple document that includes a clear photo of your pet, his name, your contact information, the date and where you last saw him. Offer a reward and indicate that your pet needs daily medication, which might make someone more apt to return your pet if he’s found it.
During the Storm
If the dog remains with you throughout the hurricane, try to stay calm. Your pet will sense any uneasiness you have, and your reactions will trigger his actions.
After the storm has passed, it is best for you to accompany your pet outside. Nature will probably have changed quite a bit, with downed trees and power lines, which can be dangerous. Debris and contaminated foods may be blown around outside, so have your dog on a leash, allowing you to control what he comes into contact with.
Your pet’s behavior may change after all the upheaval. He may become confused and need a little reassuring that things are okay now. If he becomes more aggressive than he was before, give him time. Once his safe, secure feeling returns, he will be himself again.
If you need to evacuate, leaving your dog or cat at home alone during a hurricane should be an absolute last resort. Doing so could put him in great danger. But if leaving your dog behind is your only choice, definitely do not leave him chained outside! Instead, leave him inside your house, confined in a safe area. Leave your bathroom door open, with the toilet seat up, so your dog or cat can have access to water if needed. (Of course, leave plenty of food also.)
