When disaster strikes,
it's important to have the
right emergency pet supplies
on hand to help your pets
survive. Many people may not
like to think about it, but
if the proper preparations
are not made, there is little
chance any pets can survive
a natural or man made disaster.
Animals are not allowed in
emergency shelters due to
public health and safety reasons,
and statistics show that 90%
of animals left to fend for
themselves in a disaster do
not survive. It's very important
to take steps to protect your
little loved one. The best
way to protect your pet from
disaster is to be prepared
with emergency pet supplies
and to have a plan of action.
You should always have some
emergency pet supplies set
aside in case disaster strikes.
Have at least a week's worth
of food and water ready and
some treats. If you know you're
going to be gone all day,
then you might consider leaving
them enough food and water
for the whole day, so even
if you can't get home for
a while because of a disaster
you know they won't be starving.
Be sure to have a first aid
kit for both you and your
pets. In cases of disasters
causing extreme cold, like
a blizzard, have warm dog
clothes on hand. Also, to
be ready for evacuation you
need to have a good pet carrier.
It should be durable, comfortable
and spacious, like the Ultimate
Sherpa Pet Carrier. No matter
when disaster may hit, if
the right pet supplies are
one hand you increase your
dog or cat's survival chances
greatly.
Aside from having the right
pet supplies, you should be
ready with a plan of action
for any disaster. In hurricanes,
tornadoes and earthquakes
you should have a predetermined
safe place. Emergency shelters
may not take animals, but
there are certain animal shelters
or animal friendly shelters
that can provide help. If
you're away from home when
disaster strikes, have a friend
or neighbor you can call to
go to your pet. It's very
important that you be prepared
to perform any necessary first
aid on your pet as it may
be impossible to get them
to a vet clinic. If your pet
stops breathing or if their
heart stops, you can perform
CPR to resuscitate them.
Basically, you should remember
the ABC's of first aid:
A - Airway: Make sure their
airway is clear. Pull the
tongue forward and remove
any blocking objects.
B - Breathing: Hold a mirror,
shiny object or cotton ball
in front of their nose to
determine if they're still
breathing. If not, place your
mouth over their nose and
blow until you see their chest
expand, and then let go to
let the air flow out. Do this
for 10-20 times a minute.
C - Circulation: Press your
ear firmly to their chest
to listen for a pulse. If
there's no pulse, then put
the heel of one hand just
behind the left elbow and
place your other hand over
it. Press downward and forward
at about 100 times a minute,
towards the neck.
To restart both breathing
and pulse, do heart massage
for 15 seconds and move on
to breathing for 10 seconds.
This may bruise or even crack
the ribs of your pet, but
it's necessary to save their
life. With the right preparation,
emergency pet supplies and
plan of action, you and your
pet can live a happy and healthy
life no matter what disasters
come your way.
© Copyright Little Pampered
Pets 2004. All Rights Reserved
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Author Information: Grant Carroll proud father of four dogs and co-owner of http://www.littlepamperedpets.com with Dog Clothes and Small Dog Sweaters.
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