| H.O.T. Dog Club Training Articles |
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| Be Prepared |
| by Kathleen Milford |
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| Hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and floods, not to mention hazardous or toxic material spills; these are just a few of the disasters we face living along the Texas Gulf Coast. Preparing your pet for a disaster today might save his/her life tomorrow. Here are some important steps to ensure your pets safety. |
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| Identification Make sure your pet wears a collar and I.D. tag with up-to-date information. |
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| Vaccinations All pets should be current on their shots. Make several copies, seal them in plastic bags and store them in different locations such as the glove compartment of your car, your training bag and put one in your emergency evacuation kit. |
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| Sleeping
Quarters Look at where your pet's crates or beds are in your house. Think about shattering glass and falling objects. Don't place your pet's bed below windows or shelving. |
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| A home away from
home Every animal in your house should have a crate - a molded plastic carrying case. Familiarize your pet with the crate before the disaster strikes. |
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| Check your yard Make sure all fencing is secure and all holes and potential escape routes blocked. |
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| Plan ahead Identify animal shelters, local boarding facilities, veterinarians, motels and friends or relatives that may temporarily house your pet after a disaster. |
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| If you evacuate, take your pet! |
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| A DISASTER PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST Be sure you have a molded plastic pet carrier for each pet and familiarize them with it before you need to use it. Build your own disaster preparedness kit for your pet by packing the following in an airtight Rubbermaid or other suitable container: |
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| Dry towels or blanket. They can be also be used to make a temporary stretcher if your pet is hurt. Roll of paper towels. Food and water bowls for each animal. 1-2 weeks supply of food and water in airtight containers. Check periodically and replace with fresh as needed. Don't forget a hand-operated opener if you use canned food. Bottled water. 1 month supply of all medications your pet is taking clearly labeled with administrative instructions. Be sure to include flea preventative and Heart Worm treatment. Check these supplies periodically, and adjust and replenish as needed. Litter and litter boxes for cats. The flat cardboard boxes that sodas and bottle water comes in makes an excellent disposable litter box. Health records including vaccinations in case of evacuation or need to stay in boarding kennel or other facility. Collar with current identification information and microchip. They'll be nervous and stresssed; include your pet’s favorite treats and toys. Recent color photographs of each pet in case they get lost. Check out boarding kennel beforehand and keep the name and number handy. Call immediately when the need arises. Written instructions on caring for your pet in the event you must leave pet at the boarding kennel. Plastic bags (for pet waste disposal) Sheets (one to cover each pet carrier) Newspaper Disinfectants Comb/Brush Animal First Aid Kit (Ask you veterinarian what your pet will need). Extra Leashes - they can be used as a temporary muzzle should your pet be injured or become so frightened that it might hurt itself or someone else. |
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