Pet Health and Safety, Pg. 2

Pet Health and Safety
Page 2

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1. Always leash your dog

2.Before Disaster Strikes

3. Survival Plan and Kit

4. Essential First-Aid Kit

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Always have your Dog On a Leash!

We always know that our dogs should be on a leash. Here is a story of why from former North Bay Canine Rescue & Placement dog, Ms. Rosee and her owner Robin.

Well, it's nearly 1 1/2 years since we adopted Ms. Rosee. We have a story you might want to share with future adopters. I am sending this to you because I never want anyone to lose their beloved adopted family member to an unnecessary traumatic accident. You were absolutely right when you insisted that we NEVER let Rosee off the leash in public, however long we have her. For months, Rosee and I had been walking every day up to Sharon Meadows in Golden Gate Park, taking the exact same route up the panhandle, across Masonic, across Stanyan and through the underpass into the park, reversing our route home again. One day when Rosee and I were playing ball in the meadow, some boys were lighting firecrackers in the park. Of course, Rosee heard them first and bolted. I ran after her shrieking like a banshee. As I followed our exact same route, people along the way assured me they had seen my dog running through the park. Although it is about 1.5 (one and a half) miles from home, I can home to find her shivering on the front porch. Guardian angels (or SOMEBODY) had protected her as she crossed Stanyan, Masonic, Divisadero--all four lane routes with heavy traffic! It goes without saying that since then I keep a very thick leash on her AT ALL TIMES outside of the house or backyard. Please tell everyone who adopts a dog from you about Rosee's experience--we could so easily have lost her on that day to traffic!

Robin, July 2009

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Before Disaster Strikes
Protect your pet's life by taking these precautions
Place an out-of-state contact name and number, along with your own on your pet's ID tag. Also known as: I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency)

Have your pet's health certificate and a photo handy at all times to prove ownership if you're separated from your pet during a disaster

+ Keep your pet's vaccinations up-to-date in case you have to board your pet or leave the state

Purchase a leash and a portable carrier large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in

Create a list of boarding facilities within a 100-mile radius of your home, and a list of nearby hotels that accept pets and under what circumstances

Ask your local animal shelter if they have an evacuation plan for animals and if they'd be able to care for your specific type of pet during an emergency

List friends and relatives who could care for your pet for an extended period of time if you lose your home

Take your pet with you. If you must evacuate your house, do not leave your pet behind. If it is unsafe for you to remain, then it is unsafe for your pet as well

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Survival plan and kit

Sometimes it becomes necessary to have a back-up plan in the advent of an emergency. While most people are aware of what is needed for them, have they also thought about what pets might need in order to survive too?

The following link goes to a website that deals with just about all kinds of emergencies; it is dedicated to alerting people as to what to do, where to go and what is needed. among this is a great section on pets. Check out the link at: http://www.72hours.org

PLAN:

Most disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety regulations. Service animals for people with disabilities are an exception.

	Arrange for a neighbor to check on your pets and take care of them if a disaster occurs while you are not at home.
	Plan ahead for a friend or relative outside the affected area to shelter your animals if necessary.
	Keep your pet’s ID tags up to date. Consider having your pet micro-chipped

KIT:

Make a disaster Go-bag for each of your pets. Include the following:

	Sturdy leashes and/or carriers to transport pets. Animal shelters may require owners to provide a pet carrier for each animal.
	Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
	Food and potable water, for at least one week. Bowls, cat litter and pan, plastic bags, can opener and pet toys. These items may not be immediately available in animal shelters.
	Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, immunization records and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets.

RESPONSE:

	Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.
	Do not try and hold onto your pet during the shaking of an earthquake or explosion. Animals instinctively protect themselves and hide where they are safe.
	Animals react differently under stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, and try to escape or even bite or scratch.
	When you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines. Consult your veterinarian if any behavioral problems persist. Back to the top

The Essential First Aid Kit

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Be sure to have a first aid kit with you when you take your pup on a hiking or camping trip, or when you leave your pet in the care of others. This is what the Marin Humane Society recommends for a well-stocked first aid kit for your pet (name brand products are capitalized):

Lots of bandages:

	Clinging gauze rolls
	2-inch square compression pads
	rolled cotton batting to apply to a splint and clean ears
	1-inch bandage tape
	2-inch elastic tape
	Telfa pads for wounds