Hurricane Safety Tips for Pets

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Hurricane Safety Tips for Pets

May 9, 2023May 10, 2023
by ruthmacpete

Hurricanes are powerful tropical storms that can leave destruction in their path and can endanger your household. Although there is nothing we can do to prevent hurricanes, we can be better prepared to improve our chances for a safe outcome. When preparing for a disaster, it is important to plan for our four-legged family members. Here are some essential hurricane safety tips to help you prepare and keep your pets safe during a hurricane.

Stay informed
One of the most crucial steps you can take to stay safe during a hurricane is to stay informed about the storm’s progress and listen for any updates from your local authorities. Monitor local news and weather reports and make sure to have a reliable source of information, such as a battery-powered radio or NOAA Weather Radio. Pay attention to evacuation orders and follow the instructions of local officials.

Identification
Make sure all pets, even indoor only cats, have identification. Collars with ID tags and microchips are essential. During emergencies pets often get lost. Having an ID tag and microchip can help reunite you with your lost pet.

Emergency Kits
Most people know that they should have an emergency kit, but pets also need one. What do you need to make a pet disaster kit?

1. A container to store all the supplies.
A duffel bag or backpack is ideal because they are easy to carry in case you need to evacuate. Be sure to store your disaster kits in a location where it is easily accessible. Choose a color that will make your duffle bag or backpack easy to find and identify.

2. Food and water
The American Red Cross recommends you include a two-week supply of food and water in your disaster kit. Be sure you include bowls as well as a can opener (if using canned food). I really like the Bella Roma travel bowls by Loving Pets because they are lightweight, collapsible food and water bowls that don’t take up a lot of space.

3. Toys & Treats
Include your pet’s favorite treats and toys in the kit. Many frightened animals will hide during a disaster and will not want to come out of their hiding place. Having your pet’s favorite treat or toy may be what you need to entice your fearful pet out of hiding and into safety. Toys also come in handy if you need something to entertain your pet while you are waiting out the storm somewhere.

4. Leash or Carrier
Be sure to include a leash (preferably one that is reflective) for dogs or a pet carrier for cats or small dogs so that you can safely secure and transport your pet without risking that they will run away and get lost.

5. Medications
Be sure to include any medications that your pet is currently taking, including flea, tick and heartworm preventatives. You may not be able to go to your veterinarian during an emergency so have extra supplies available.

6. First aid kit
Include a pet first aid booklet and first aid supplies in case your pet gets injured and you cannot access a veterinarian.

7. Important documents
Pack a copy of your pet’s important medical records, including vaccination history and microchip information. Include a recent photo of your pet and your adoption papers to prove ownership. Also include a list of important phone numbers, such as your veterinarian, local pet emergency clinic, and boarding facilities.

8. Cat Litter & Litter Box
If you have cats, make sure you have a small litter box and small box or bag of litter ready to go. If you have to spend the night in a hotel or shelter you will need someplace for your feline friend to relieve themselves. Store these items next to your disaster kit.

Be Ready to Evacuate
If local authorities issue an evacuation order, it’s important to follow their instructions and leave the area immediately! Grab your disaster kits, locate your animals, secure them using either a leash or carrier and then get yourself, your family and your pets to a safe location. Don’t wait until the last minute to evacuate, as roads may become congested or even impassable as the storm approaches.

If you are not required to evacuate, be sure all your pets are with you inside. Take shelter in an interior room on the lowest level of your home. Stay away from windows and doors and avoid using candles, as they can pose a fire risk. Use a battery-powered radio to stay informed about the storm’s progress and any updates from local authorities.

Stay safe after the storm After the storm has passed, stay alert for any potential hazards, such as downed power lines, flooded roads, and weakened structures. Don’t return to your home until local officials have declared it safe to do so. If you have evacuated, wait for instructions from local authorities before returning home.

Help
If your pets manage to get lost or you need help finding a place to stay with your pets call your local animal shelter for information. If your pet has a medical emergency, call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic.

In conclusion, hurricanes can be dangerous and life-threatening, the best way to stay safe is to be prepared. Make sure all pets have identification, prepare an emergency kit for you and your pets, stay informed during bad weather and be ready to evacuate with your pets if necessary.

For more information watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsoKR25bI44&t=71s

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Thanksgiving Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe

November 24, 2020June 30, 2021
by ruthmacpete

Each year, millions of pets become ill during the holidays, with intestinal obstructions, chocolate or other toxicities, and pancreatitis, being some of the most common reasons. In order to ensure that your Thanksgiving holidays are filled with happiness rather than long waits in a veterinary emergency room, follow these simple precautions to help keep your pets safe.

Obesity
Calorie-filled holiday feasts and sweets can lead to a few post-Thanksgiving extra pounds for us and our pets. Although sharing our leftovers with our pets may be in keeping with the holiday spirit of goodwill, it can lead to pet obesity. Pet obesity is associated with significant health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. In addition, giving leftovers at the table routinely also promotes begging and reinforces bad behavior.

Pancreatitis
Besides leading to obesity, eating fatty holiday foods can also cause a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas gland called pancreatitis. In pets, pancreatitis is usually caused by ingestion of fatty foods like turkey, ham, gravy, and chicken skins. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

Bones
Bones also pose a serious danger to pets. Poultry bones are dangerous because they can splinter and get lodged in the gastrointestinal tract and therefore should never be given to pets. Ham and beef bones can break teeth or can also cause intestinal obstructions. If you wish to give your pet a special holiday treat, instead of giving them bones, consider giving them a healthy dental treat specially intended for safe chewing and dental hygiene.

Dangerous Foods
Chocolate: Most people know that chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Depending on the amount consumed, it causes vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, seizures, and even death. Never give your pets chocolate and of course keep this sweet treat out of reach of your pets.

Xylitol Flavored Sweet Treats: Candies, desserts and other foods that contain the artificial sweetener xylitol are very dangerous to pets. Xylitol causes insulin release leading to low blood sugar levels and can also cause liver failure. Be sure to keep all these sweet treats out of reach of hungry pets. If your pet manages to steal some candy or dessert containing xylitol, immediately call your veterinarian for help or take your pet to a veterinary emergency clinic.

Raisins and grapes: Many Thanksgiving dishes contain raisins or grapes which can be very dangerous for pets. Grapes and raisins have been reported to cause severe kidney damage.

Nuts: Many nut varieties are toxic to pets and can have a devastating effect on dogs’ nervous systems. Walnuts and macadamias are especially toxic and can cause vomiting, paralysis and even death.

Onions: Onions, chives, and garlic in any form are poisonous to pets. They cause lethargy, weakness, ataxia (lack of coordination), hyper-salivation, anemia, and even death.

With so many tasty dangers often at pet’s eye level, it is always best to keep pets out of the kitchen and away from the celebration. And while sharing is in keeping with the holiday spirit of goodwill, sharing leftovers with our pets can lead to serious health problems. Instead of giving your pet leftovers from your holiday meal, give your pet a pet-safe treat or a new toy.

Lost Pets
Although the holidays are usually joyous times, as anyone who has ever hosted a holiday party knows, they can also be stressful times. This can be especially true for our pets. The revolving door of visiting guests and the break from the routine can frighten our pets and cause them to run away. If your pet tends to easily get scared, nervous, or becomes protective, it is important to keep them confined safely inside your house. Many pets are lost during the holidays when they jump out of their yard or dart out of an open door. Remember all pets, even strictly indoor cats, should have collars with tags and microchips so that if they become lost they can be returned safely home.

Paying careful attention to these warnings will help keep the Thanksgiving holidays happy for you and your pet and should prevent unscheduled visits to your veterinarian.

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4th of July Pet Safety Tips

July 3, 2020June 30, 2022
by ruthmacpete

Every year hundreds of pets throughout the country are lost or injured during 4th of July Celebrations. Here are five tips you can follow to help keep them safe and stress-free.

1.Keep your pets indoors
Though most of us consider fireworks to be the highlight of the evening, many pets are terrified of them. The bright lights and loud noises can unnerve pets and frightened animals will often escape in order to get away. Runaway pets can become lost or get hit by a car. To keep your pet safe and stress-free during a fireworks display, be sure to keep them indoors, preferably in a secure and comfortable room.

2.Keep your pets busy
Give your pet their favorite toy or a new chew toy to keep them focused on something beside the loud noise and bright lights.

3.Create soothing sounds
Turning on the TV or radio can help drown out loud and scary noises outside.

4.Calming Products
Consider trying an over-the-counter dog pheromone product or one of the numerous calming shirts available. Pheromone products can help decrease anxiety in some dogs. Calming shirts wrap snugly around your pet giving them constant, gentle pressure designed to soothe them just like swaddling soothes a baby.

5.Speak with your veterinarian about medications
If you have a pet that becomes very stressed or agitated by fireworks despite your best efforts, speak with your veterinarian about medications that may help. There are a number of medications available to help decrease anxiety and help keep your pet relaxed. Your veterinarian will determine which medication is appropriate for your pet.

6.Watch out for food that can be harmful to pets
The 4th of July is known for apple pie and BBQ’s, but even delicious holiday food can be hazardous for your pets. Keep your pets away from hot BBQ grills that can easily burn them, especially if they are tempted by what’s cooking on the grill. Animals should never have access to chocolate or alcohol. Bones, except for those specially treated and intended for canine consumption, should also be avoided. Poultry bones can splinter and get lodged in the gastrointestinal tract. Ham and beef bones can break teeth or cause intestinal obstructions. Though tempting, and always appealing to dogs, you should avoid giving your pet leftovers. Not only can this lead to obesity and encourage the annoying habit of begging, it can cause a pancreatitis attack. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas usually caused by fatty foods. It is a serious condition that can be fatal if untreated.

7.Be sure all pets have ID tags and microchips
All of your pets should have collars with ID tags and microchips, even indoor-only cats. A door or gate could be left open accidentally during 4th of July BBQ, or your pet can escape if they become frightened during a fireworks display. Collars with ID tags and microchips are the best way to ensure that if your pet gets lost, he or she will be returned to you. And of course be sure all of your information is correct and current.

8.Know what to do If your pet gets lost
What should you do if your pet gets lost? Walk or drive around your neighborhood to look for them. Be sure to call out their name but they may not come to you if they are frightened. Contact your local shelters and call nearby veterinary clinics as soon as possible. Make flyers with your pet’s picture and post these around the neighborhood, on neighborhood apps, in local pet stores and veterinary clinics, and around retail stores with high foot traffic, like grocery stores.

Follow these tips so that you and your pets can have a safe and fun 4th of July!

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10 Best Ways to Ensure Your Pets Live a…

January 21, 2020January 20, 2020
by ruthmacpete

As a veterinarian, pet owners often ask me what they should be doing in order to help keep their pets healthy. Here are the 10 things you should do to keep to promote the well being of your pet.

1. Yearly veterinary examinations
Annual examinations are as essential as food and love. Don’t wait for your pet to be sick before taking them to the vet. Bring your pet to your veterinarian for a wellness exam at least once a year. Older pets and pets with medical issues may need to be seen more frequently. Your veterinarian will examine your pet from head to tail to insure they are healthy and up to date on immunizations and other preventatives. In the long run, annual check-ups will save you money and heartache by protecting your pet from preventable diseases and by detecting illness early when it is more treatable. Taking your pet to the vet for an annual wellness exam is the best way to ensure your pet lives a long healthy life.

2. Immunizations
Most people wouldn’t skip vaccinating your kids. So don’t overlook vaccinating your pets. Immunizations protect our pets from devastating diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. As a shelter vet, I see too many animals suffering needlessly from preventable diseases like distemper and parvovirus. Ask your veterinarian to find out which vaccines would benefit your pet based on their lifestyle and risk factors and how often they should receive booster vaccines.

3. Screening tests
Since animals can’t talk and tell us what is wrong with them, screening tests are important because they can detect disease before signs and symptoms develop. Depending on your pet’s age, your veterinarian will recommend screening tests to look for problems like diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid disease. Make sure you get the screening tests recommended by your veterinarian even if your pet looks healthy. Your veterinarian may also recommend screening tests before your pet undergoes general anesthesia to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure.

4. Dental care
Commit to keeping your pet’s teeth clean and healthy. What does this entail? First, take your pet to the veterinarian for a check-up and cleaning if necessary at least once a year. Second, brush their teeth regularly with pet toothpaste and give them dental chews to help keep their teeth pearly white in between visits. Routine dental care can not only help keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy but also help prevent painful and costly dental problems in the future.

5. Parasite protection
Parasites are a common and important cause of disease in pets. They can be internal, like worms and protozoa, or external, like fleas and ticks. Besides making you cringe, parasites can cause significant morbidity in pets and can lead to death in the case of heartworm disease. Parasites can even pose a danger to other family members such as children. Fortunately parasitic disease is easy to prevent. Speak with your veterinarian to insure you are protecting your pets and family from internal and external parasites by using monthly preventatives year round.

6. Microchips
If your pet doesn’t already have one, make sure you microchip your pet. While collars and ID tags are important, they are not a guarantee that your pet will be returned home if they ever get lost. Collars and ID tags are not foolproof because they can break or fall-off. As a shelter vet, I see too many lost pets end-up in the shelter. I am a strong proponent of microchips because they are the best way to improve the odds that your pet will be returned home if they ever get lost. Finally, don’t forget to keep your contact information up to date. A microchip isn’t very effective if no one can reach you to tell you they have your lost pet.

7. Spay and neuter your pet
Besides helping prevent pet overpopulation and being the responsible thing to do, spaying and neutering your pet has important health benefits. For example, spaying and neutering lowers the risk of breast cancer, testicular cancer, and pyometra (infection of the uterus). Spaying and neutering can also help with behavioral problems such as spraying, roaming, and aggression. If your pet isn’t already spayed or neutered, call your veterinarian to discuss how spaying or neutering may benefit your pet.

8. Pet proof your home
Pets are curious creatures by nature, but sometimes their curiosity can get them into trouble. Make sure your home is safe for your pet by pet-proofing your home. Check the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s website list of the most common poisonous household plants to ensure that none of your houseplants are a potential hazard to your pet. Also, refer to their website to learn which foods and other household items may be toxic to your pet. Lastly don’t forget to keep all toxic chemicals stored safely away from your pets.

9. Exercise
Exercise is the best way for your pet to stay trim and healthy. Like us, pets can suffer from obesity and the problems associated with being overweight such as arthritis and diabetes. Make sure you exercise your pet and increase their level of activity. For dogs, go on longer walks, play fetch and let them run off-leash in a dog park. If you’re a runner, check with your veterinarian to find out if it’s okay to run with your dog. For cats, have them chase a laser pointer and play more with them. Exercise is the best way to keep your pet physically healthy and mentally stimulated.

10. Teach an old dog a new trick
Muscles are not the only things that need to be exercised; stimulate your pet’s brain. This can be as simple as giving them interactive toys that stimulate their mind or teaching your pet a new trick. If you have a dog, consider enrolling them in an obedience course or sign-up for agility training. While it is important to keep your pets physically healthy, it is equally important to keep their mind stimulated and sharp.

We all want the best for our animals. Hopefully these 10 health tips will ensure your pets live a long and healthy life.

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How to find a lost pet

July 5, 2018March 3, 2019
by ruthmacpete

Losing a pet is every pet parent’s worst nightmare, but there are steps you can take pre-emptively and things you can do if your pet gets lost to increase the odds that you’ll get your pet back.

To improve your chances of a successful reunion, your pet should always wear a collar with identification tags. Better yet, microchip your pet. Though collars and identification tags are important, they can break or fall off. Microchips are permanently implanted under your pet’s skin and store identifying information linked to a database to help reunite you with your pet. Just make sure you keep your contact information up to date. In my opinion, every animal should wear a collar with ID tags and have a microchip, and this holds true for indoor-only cats as well. All it takes is an open door or window for an indoor-only cat to get out and become lost. Why risk losing your beloved pet? Take advantage of this technology and microchip your pet today!

Unfortunately, even with the best precautions, pets can get lost. A door or window can accidentally get left open; animals can slip outside when people are coming and going; dogs can jump, climb over, or dig under a fence in an attempt to get out of the yard. The fact is, accidents happen and animals become lost everyday. In the event that your pet gets lost, here are some tips that can help reunite you with your lost pet:

1. Immediately make a flyer with your pet’s picture, a description of your pet, and your contact information. Plaster these signs everywhere, especially where your pet was last seen, at local pet supply stores, and dog parks.

2. Go to the local animal shelters to look for your lost pet. Even shelters that list their animals online may need a few hours to a few days to update their website with new animals. When you go to the shelter, ask the staff if they have any animals in the back that you may have missed and be sure bring flyers to leave with the shelter staff. Sometimes sick or injured animals are off public view when being treated in the shelter’s medical center or at a local emergency clinics.

3. Good Samaritans often bring injured animals directly to local veterinary hospitals or emergency clinics. Make sure you go to local veterinary hospitals and emergency clinics to look for your pet and bring flyers.

4. Finally, post an ad in the lost pet section of your local newspaper and write about your lost pet on Craigslist, NextDoor and all your social media accounts. And of course, check the listings for found pets in local publications and online (Craigslist and Nextdoor).

Losing your pet can be a harrowing experience. Taking these pre-emptive measures and knowing what to do if your pet is lost is your best chance for a speedy and safe return of your lost furry loved one.