September is National Preparedness Month, Are You Prepared?

We all must admit this year has been trial some with fires, flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, pandemics and more.  So, being National Preparedness Month this year, should be taken very seriously, are you prepared? If not, this would be the time to get prepared while you have the time to make a list, check everything, review it, and make sure everything on your list is in your supplies and that all the supplies are up to date and ready to go.    

1.      Evacuation Plan: Would you have to evacuate?  If yes, do you have a plan, a place to go where you already know your Pet will be accepted?  Whether it is a family, friends, hotel, or shelter please verify your Pet will be able to go with you.  Whatever happens, do not leave them at home by themselves.  You can call your local animal shelter for assistance in locating shelter who accepts pets or other options for your Pet.  DO NOT WAIT until an emergency is here to decide because it may be too late.  Plan ahead.  Be prepared.

 

2.      Food and water supply.  If you can remain at home, make sure there is enough food and water to last for at least two weeks for your Pet.  When it comes to water, it is better to have enough water to last a month pending on the heat and humidity.  Do not rely on sitting water which could have toxins in the water.  Some areas may be on a water ban or boil water for months after an emergency or storm has hit.  Like humans your Pet need plenty of water. 

 

3.      Medicines.  Make sure when a pending emergency or storm is coming to stock up on your Pet’s medicines, especially those that are diabetic and such.  Many pharmacies may not open after an emergency or storm for weeks and you do not want to take chances with your Pet.

 

4.      Records.  Make sure you have a copy of your Pet vaccinations, their rabies tag, hopefully they are micro-chipped and you have a record of their number, the veterinarian and your information for the shelters or if you and your Pet are separated somehow.  A current photo and information regarding their behavior and any medical conditions.  Keep in a clear storage waterproof bag.  Keep one in the emergency supply kit and one with you.  You can also take a photo or scan onto your cell phones pending the cell phone you have – iPhones it can be stored on the iCloud. 

5.      Extras.  Keep a bin with an extra blanket or towel, extra leash and collar/harness, an extra toy, bowls, and anything else to help your Pet get through this emergency/storm just as you would take for you and your children. A carrier to help them feel more secure as well as for your smaller pets so and one that they can lie down and stand up comfortably in.  Grooming items, trash bags, poop bags and cleaning agents (in case of accidents).

 

6.      First Aid Kit.  Prepare a first aid kit with your Pet in mind with the following items:

a.       Gauze pads, the square and/or rolls, this way you are prepared, and these bandages will not stick to the wound or fur.

b.      Saline solution which can assist with flushing of wounds and flushing of eyes,

c.       Tweezers, flat slant tip and dull tip, you never know when either one will be needed so it is best to have both.  Also, to have special tweezers specific for tick removal.  These tweezers will assist in the removal of a tick’s imbedded head which could cause an infection if left in the pet.  

d.      Latex gloves (or latex free gloves pending if you or if your pet has an allergy).

e.       Disinfectant such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. 

f.        Hydrogen peroxide can be used to induce vomiting however it is best NOT to induce vomiting without the advice of your veterinarian.

g.      Povidone iodine (an antiseptic) to help clean the wound.

h.      Wound cream to help the healing process, please check with your veterinarian for their preference.

i.        Cotton balls.

j.        Bulb syringe which can be utilize in the flushing of the wounds when needed or administering medicine. 

k.      Antihistamine, again please discuss with your veterinarian which is best for your pet and the dosage which will assist with swelling, itchiness, bee stings and other miscellaneous insect bites.

l.        Antibacterial wipes and hand soap.

m.    Paw cream.

n.      Rectal Thermometer.  A normal temperature for a dog is 38°C or 101°F.  Anything higher or lower please take or consult a veterinarian immediately. 

o.      Cone. 

p.      Petroleum jelly, this is for courteous to the pet. 

q.      Towels or an old blanket. 

r.        Flashlight.

s.       Dog treats.

t.        Emergency numbers such as your veterinarian, poison control, and if you are traveling local emergency hospital numbers.

Discuss with your veterinarian on proper precautions with your Pet. All these items, especially the paperwork, identifications, medications, and such should be placed in a waterproof container so not to be ruined in case of water damage.  Pets get very anxious and scared especially when so much is going on with leaving your house, staying somewhere else not familiar to your Pet, traveling in a car, and just the everything that comes with an emergency such as the lighting and thunder during hurricanes, the extreme wind with tornadoes, extreme heat and smoke with fires, so please do all you can to make things safe for you, your family, and your Pet.  Prepare now, Do Not Wait, Be Ready, and Be Safe!!  

Here are some websites to help you prepare:

 http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/DIST_DisasterPetBrochure.pdf

http://www.fema.gov/individual/animals.shtm

http://www.ready.gov/caring-animals

 

Are you prepared?  Now is the time…. If you have helpful hints/advice?  Please share… Thank you.