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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPet SafetyLearn First Aid for Your PetsDogsandcatsaremorethanpets—they’re family.And just like any other familymember,pets deserve to be cared for and protected.That’s why the American Red CrosshasdevelopedDogFirstAidandCatFirstAid,comprehensive guides to help keep petshealthyandsafe.From basic responsibilities,like spaying/neutering and givingmedications,to managing cardiac emergencies and preparing for disasters,these guidesofferinformationpetownerscantrust. Contact your local chapter to purchase guide books and first aid kits or log on to theRedCrossStoretoseeallavailableproducts. Plan to take your pets with you in anevacuation.If it is not safe for you tostay,it is not safe for them either. Know which hotels and motels along yourevacuationroutewillacceptyouandyourpetsinanemergency.Call ahead forreservationsifyouknowyoumayneed toevacuate.Ask if no-pet policies could bewaivedinanemergency. Most Red Cross shelters cannot acceptpetsbecauseofhealthandsafetyconcernsandotherconsiderations.Service animalsthatassistpeoplewithdisabilitiesareallowedinRedCrossshelters. Know which friends,relatives,boardingfacilities,animal shelters or veterinarianscancareforyouranimalsinanemergency.Prepare a list with phonenumbers. Although your animals may be morecomfortabletogether,be prepared tohousethemseparately. Include your pets in evacuation drills sothattheybecomeusedtoenteringandtravelingintheircarrierscalmly. Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations arecurrentandthatalldogsandcatsarewearingcollarswithsecurelyfastened,up-to-date identification.Many pet sheltersrequireproofofcurrentvaccinationstoreducethespreadofdisease. Consider having your pet “microchipped”by your veterinarian. Assemble a portable kit withemergencysuppliesforyour pets. Keep items in an accessible place and storetheminsturdycontainerssothattheycanbecarriedeasily.Your kit should include—•Sturdy leashes,harnesses and/orcarrierstotransportpetssafelyandensurethattheycan’t escape.•Food,drinking water,bowls,catlitter/pan and a manual can opener.•Medications and copies of medicalrecordsstoredinawaterproofcontainer.•A first aid kit.•Current photos of you with yourpet(s)in case they get lost.Sincemanypetslookalike,this will helptoeliminatemistakenidentityandconfusion.•Information on feeding schedules,medical conditions,behaviorproblems,and the name andnumberofyourveterinarian in caseyouhavetofosterorboardyourpets.•Pet beds and toys,if easilytransportable.Know what to do as the disasterapproaches. Often,warnings are issued hours,evendays,in advance.At the first hint ofdisaster,act to protect your pet. Call ahead to confirm emergency shelterarrangementsforyouandyourpets. Ensure that all pets are wearing collarswithsecurelyfastened,up-to-dateidentification. Check that your pet disaster suppliesarereadytotakeatamoment's notice. Bring pets inside so you won’t have tosearchforthemifyouneedtoleavequickly. The behavior of pets may changedramaticallyafteradisaster,becomingaggressiveordefensive,so be aware oftheirwell-being and protect them fromhazardstoensurethesafetyofotherpeopleandanimals. Watch your animals closely and keepthemunderyourdirectcontrolasfencesandgatesmayhavebeendamaged. Pets may become disoriented,particularlyifthedisasterhasaffectedscentmarkersthatnormallyallowthemtofindtheirhome. Be aware of hazards at nose and paw orhooflevel,particularly debris,spilledchemicals,fertilizers and othersubstancesthatmightnotseem to bedangeroustohumans. Consult your veterinarian if any behaviorproblemspersist. Emergency action plans foryourfamilyshouldincludeyouranimals—all of youranimals. For information on disaster planning andemergencyactionstotakeforlivestock,horses,birds,reptiles or other small animals,such as gerbils or hamsters,please visitRedCross.org,the Humane Society of theUnitedStates(www.HSUS.org)orReady.gov. Let Your Family Know You’re SafeIfyourcommunityhasexperiencedadisaster,register on the American Red CrossSafeandWellWebsiteavailablethroughRedCross.org to let your family andfriendsknowaboutyourwelfare.If you don’t have Internet access,call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family. Be Red Cross ReadyPetsandDisaster Safety Checklist How can I prepare?What should I do?After a disaster … Our pets enrich our lives in morewaysthanwecancount.In turn,they depend on us for their safetyandwell-being.The best way toensurethesafetyofyourfamily is tobepreparedwithadisasterplan.Ifyouareapetowner,that planincludesyourpets.Being preparedcanhelpsavelives. For more information on disaster and emergency preparedness,visit RedCross.org. Copyright ©2009 by the American National Red Cross |Stock No.658557 PetSafety ENG.qxd:Layout 1 5/21/09 5:00 PM Page 1