Disaster preparation tips for pets
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
Gloria J. Towle
Board Member
We want to say how great it was to see so many stop by our booth at the Forum this past weekend during the Fall Arts, Crafts and Collectibles Show.
It’s always fun to meet and greet so many of our supporters and also to hear how their four-legged family members are doing! We truly appreciate the generosity of the Forum and all the volunteers that help make this event a successful one!
Handling disasters
All it takes is watching the evening news to realize that disasters strike every day and in every corner of the world. Floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, sinkholes, storm surges and mudslides — .and that’s just for starters!
Here in Aroostook County we are certainly blessed to experience very few of these disasters; maybe an occasional blizzard or flooding in low-lying areas, but for the most part we are very fortunate to be spared from Mother Nature’s wrath. The bottom line is that when disaster strikes, our pets are entirely dependent upon their owner or keeper to ensure their physical safety and emotional well-being. Amid the chaos that often happens when a natural disaster strikes unexpectedly, it is important to know some emergency tips and what you can do to be ready in the event of a natural disaster.
Paul Mann, founder and CEO of FETCH! Pet Care, spotlights these fundamental yet crucial pet emergency preparedness tips:
• Get a kit of pet emergency supplies. Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, particularly food and water;
• Food and Water: Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container. Also three days of water for your pet in addition to water for yourself and your family;
• Medicines and medical records — keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container;
• First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for you r pet’s emergency medical needs. Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book;
• Collar with ID tag, harness or leash. Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit;
• Important documents. Place copies of your pet’s registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container and also add them to your kit;
• Crate or other pet carrier. If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation, take your pets and animals with you, provided that it is practical to do so;
• Sanitation. Include pet litter and a litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs. You can use bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to purify water. Use eight drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water, stir well and let it stand for 30 minutes before use. Do not use scented or color-safe bleaches or those with added cleaners;
• A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership; and
• Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kits.
We will share more disaster tips in next week’s article. For now we will enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and some warm Indian summer days. If you have a chance, stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society and see what amazing pets that we have ready for adoption! Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing for lunch noon to 12:30 p.m. Please be responsible, spay and neuter your pets.
