You never know when a natural
disaster or a more common everyday emergency might occur. Don't
be caught off-guard without a plan for you and your pets. The
tips below are essential to emergency preparedness.
1. Make sure that your pet wears
a well-fitting collar with an ID tag that has up-to-date contact
information.
2. Train your dog. A well-trained,
obedient dog is safer, more responsive and happier.
3. Always keep your pet on a
leash when outside the house or yard.
4. In order to make traveling
with your pet more manageable, be sure that your pet is comfortable
in a crate or carrier, even if you don't use one on a regular
basis.
5. Know basic pet first aid such
as how to stop bleeding and treat lacerations. Always approach
a sick, injured or scared animal slowly and cautiously. Even
your own pet can be aggressive when in pain or frightened. More
pet first aid info at RedCross.org
6. Purchase or assemble a basic
pet first aid kit that includes gauze pads, gauze roll/ bandages,
thermometer, tweezers, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment,
Q-tips, instant cold pack and rags or rubber tubing for a tourniquet.
7. Make sure that you have a
pet emergency supply kit that includes an ample supply of food
and water, blankets, a spare leash and collar, food bowls, garbage
bags and any needed medication and a recent photo of your pet.
See full pet emergency supply kit checklist
8. Remain as calm as possible
during stressful or emergency situations - your pet is easily
influenced by your behavior and will mirror your stress or panic.
9. Be aware of the dangers of
common household items - from poisons and pesticides to chocolate
and certain houseplants - and keep them away from your pet.
10. Be aware that extreme temperatures
have drastic effects on pets. Heat exhaustion is often caused
by leaving pets in parked cars or over-exercising pets during
hot weather. To cool off an overheated pet, offer plenty of water,
wet his or her body and paws with cool water, then fan.
