How to Take Care of Your Pet When Disaster Strikes

Thursday, June 29, 2006

When disaster strikes, it's important to have the right emergency pet supplies on hand to help your pets survive. Many people may not like to think about it, but if the proper preparations are not made, there is little chance any pets can survive a natural or man made disaster. Animals are not allowed in emergency shelters due to public health and safety reasons, and statistics show that 90% of animals left to fend for themselves in a disaster do not survive. It's very important to take steps to protect your little loved one. The best way to protect your pet from disaster is to be prepared with emergency pet supplies and to have a plan of action.

You should always have some emergency pet supplies set aside in case disaster strikes. Have at least a week's worth of food and water ready and some treats. If you know you're going to be gone all day, then you might consider leaving them enough food and water for the whole day, so even if you can't get home for a while because of a disaster you know they won't be starving. Be sure to have a first aid kit for both you and your pets. In cases of disasters causing extreme cold, like a blizzard, have warm dog clothes on hand. Also, to be ready for evacuation you need to have a good pet carrier. It should be durable, comfortable and spacious, like the Ultimate Sherpa Pet Carrier. No matter when disaster may hit, if the right pet supplies are one hand you increase your dog or cat's survival chances greatly.

Aside from having the right pet supplies, you should be ready with a plan of action for any disaster. In hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes you should have a predetermined safe place. Emergency shelters may not take animals, but there are certain animal shelters or animal friendly shelters that can provide help. If you're away from home when disaster strikes, have a friend or neighbor you can call to go to your pet. It's very important that you be prepared to perform any necessary first aid on your pet as it may be impossible to get them to a vet clinic. If your pet stops breathing or if their heart stops, you can perform CPR to resuscitate them. Basically, you should remember the ABC's of first aid:A - Airway: Make sure their airway is clear. Pull the tongue forward and remove any blocking objects. B - Breathing: Hold a mirror, shiny object or cotton ball in front of their nose to determine if they're still breathing. If not, place your mouth over their nose and blow until you see their chest expand, and then let go to let the air flow out. Do this for 10-20 times a minute. C - Circulation: Press your ear firmly to their chest to listen for a pulse. If there's no pulse, then put the heel of one hand just behind the left elbow and place your other hand over it. Press downward and forward at about 100 times a minute, towards the neck. To restart both breathing and pulse, do heart massage for 15 seconds and move on to breathing for 10 seconds. This may bruise or even crack the ribs of your pet, but it's necessary to save their life. With the right preparation, emergency pet supplies and plan of action, you and your pet can live a happy and healthy life no matter what disasters come your way.

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Dog Clothes for Winter

The signs are all there. The trees are almost bare, the air is cold and crisp and you dog’s coat is getting thick. Winter is coming and while shopping for your sweaters, coats and winter accessories, it’s easy to forget about Fido. There is much debate about whether dogs need clothes, but if you own a little baby like a Chihuahua, Yorkie, or Miniature Poodle, you know how hard winter conditions can be on their little bodies. Larger dogs can also benefit from extra bundling and extra care.
Toy dogs in particular have a higher metabolism and dissipate body heat faster than larger dogs. A quality sweater is a necessity and will help hold in heat for mild weather. A thick coat is needed in colder climates and sometimes both layers are needed to keep your little one warm. Most large dogs can benefit from a light sweater or jacket as well.When choosing a jacket or sweater it is important to keep the dogs comfort in mind. There are many different varieties and styles to choose from so picking the right clothes should be easy and fun.
During the cold months, it is important to pay special attention to your furry friend’s paws. Winter conditions can cause blisters, infections and sore and cracked pads. Rock salt and chemical de-icers can make these injuries worse and overwhelming. The easiest thing to do is cover your little one’s feet with boots when going on walks. Boots can be worn by any size dog. It is important that you get you dog use o walking in boots before the snow hits. Reward them with treats and make the experience of wearing boots a pleasant one. Encouraging them to walk and play in their boots a once a day a few times before you go outside, will make the first time stress-free.
There are many different styles of boots available that work well. Fashion is fun, but what ever you choose it is important that it is functional and protects. If you elect not to choose boots for your pet, it is important to keep his paws well groomed. Rock salt and chemical de-icers can be lethal so always wash your pet’s feet after walking. You can also purchase an organic wax-based cream to help protect paws.
There are many fashionable sweaters and coats to choose from the will show off you pets flare and personality. Have fun when choosing clothes and accessories but remember, first and foremost, to protect your pampered pet this winter.

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