| Like most people I was very lack-a-daysicle about being prepared
for a disaster. When Mt. St. Helens erupted we felt the effects and when we had
the recent tremor from the earthquake we felt the effects. When I read and see
on TV about people who face these disasters or disasters from home fires, I scoff
and think it can't or won't happen to us. We've got home insurance. We'll be OK.
Well, some very good friends had home insurance when their home caught
fire and life was not too easy for them. I doubt that life was too easy for their
pets either. But, I'm getting my act together, I have been to the Surrey Fire
Departments Community Education Office and picked up brochures. I've prepared
evacuation and emergency programs and have started a survival kit. Hopefully,
we will never use it. But, as the adage goes, Better Safe Than Sorry. Like a good
Girl Guide, I'm Prepared. Being prepared also means taking care of our
pets. Here are some suggestions for early preparations and for a survival kit. Preparation
- Have your pets either micro chipped or tattooed. Keep a copy of this number
in your survival kit.
- Have an outdoor run or kennel for your pet.
- Be
a regular patient with a good veterinarian. Your veterinarian, can be a good friend
to a stressed pet, especially, if your pet recognizes the office and the veterinarian
and associates the visit with good things.
- Have an ID tag on your pet
Survival Kit - Food and water for 3 days
- Food
and water dish
- Treats, milk bones, toys, etc.
- Leash and collar
- A
weeks supply of your pets medicine.
- A pet First Aid kit (discussed in
previous articles)
- A copy of your pets prescription
- A cage or
kennel applicable to your pets size
- A blanket
- A copy of your pets
vaccination/health records
- A picture of your pet from all four angles.
This may come to your aid in proving that a pet truly is yours or not yours. Children
will claim the first pet that looks like theirs in order to get that secure feeling
from their beloved pet.
- A copy of your pets registration papers from either
the CKC or AKC
- A muzzle or something to make a muzzle from
- A
list of contact names and phone numbers including the local SPCA and your veterinarian
- Several
quarters
This is a time of severe stress for your pet. It will feel
your own personal stress and react to it. Your pet will be very nervous all on
its own because its life has been disrupted and it is now possibly in a different
environment. A frightened and confused pet will not behave in its normal manner.
It may be sensitive to strange noises and people. If you try and remain calm and
reassuring to your pet, it will help to relax the pet . If you have to leave
the pet in a vehicle, make sure that it is parked in the shade, and that there
is plenty of ventilation, food and water for your pet. If you are leaving your
pet in the house, make sure it is structurally safe and also that there is a comfortable
area with adequate food and water Your pet is not accustomed to stress, being
on the loose or feeding on its own. It has come to rely on you for care, comfort,
love and food. The sooner you secure and calm your pet the better the transition
will be to whatever changes you have to make in your family's situation. -------------------------------------------------
// ------------------------------------------------ Reprinted with permission
by Ralston Purina Canada. |
