More on Pet Emergency Preparedness

Here are a few additional ideas to think about when focusing on emergency preparedness for your pets.

1. Please take a picture of you and your dog and cat – together. It will help to identify that your pet belongs to you. In some disaster situations, someone other than the owner have claimed a pedigreed pet and other pets! This has been done! This is real! Unbelievable theft!

2. Having collars on your pets, with their names, help to identify the pet should you get separated from them. It will also allow the rescuer to call them by name . You may just want to keepcollars available to place on them if you have to leave your home or if you think they may escape from their surroundings. I know some pet parents don’t keep collars on their pets all of the time.

3. Dogs will have a tendency to become aggressive when they incur danger or perceive a threatening situation. Having a muzzle placed over their nose will prevent someone from getting hurt while they are trying to save or rescue your dog. Add a muzzle to your evacuation kit. If a muzzle isn’t available, wrap gauze around their nose to prevent him from biting. It’s really not the dog’s fault if he becomes aggressive. He is feeling threatened and his natural survival instincts take over.

4. Cats will have a tendency to scratch or bolt away from you. Putting them into a pillowcase could help to contain them – but DON’T tie the ends! You want to contain them, not suffocate them!  A cat carrier would definitely be the ideal.

5. This may sound strange, but if you have any lavender, rub it on their paws and nose – it will help to calm them.

6. Include in your 1st aid kit any of their special needs or medications. Include toys, chew bones for your dogs, or anything that will make this time a little more pleasant for him. For cats, a blanket that they can curl up in may help, along with a toy or treats. Having super glue will help to close minor wounds; styptic stick or powder will help to stop bleeding.

7. Benadryl will help calm your dog, but be sure to use the proper dosage for the weight of your dog!

I will share with you more tips on the next blog to help you make your evacuation just a little bit better, should you have to leave your home.

Please go to www.pawsitivepamperings.com for any of your pets needs.