Red Cross Pet First Aid Awareness Month

Help us kick off April by celebrating the American Red Cross’s Pet First Aid Awareness month. All this week we will be providing information, as directed by the American Red Cross and based on our veterinary training, on how to best prepare for an emergent situation.


How Can You Prepare for an Emergency?

Lodging
• Know which hotels in your surrounding area accept pets in the case of an emergency evacuation. If you know you will need lodging call ahead to place a reservation, or see if the hotel or motel will be willing to waive the pet policy in the case of an emergency. Keep in mind Red Cross facilities DO NOT accept pets in the case of an emergency, but can accept service animals needed by owners with disabilities. Know which friends or family members would be willing and able to care for your pets in the case of an emergency

Care
• Know what veterinarians in your direct, and surrounding area you can contact in the case of an emergency or evacuation. Compile a list of numbers and locations of boarding facilities within your area that could also care for your pet during an evacuation or emergency. Many veterinarians may also be able and willing to board your pet as well, especially if they have medical concerns that need to be attended to on a daily basis.

Records
• Keep your pets up to date on all necessary vaccinations. Many facilities require vaccination and proof for your pet to stay there. Keep a concise and current medical file for each of your pets to have on hand in the case of an emergency or evacuation.

Transportation
• Make sure all your pets have a securely fastened collar with clear identification tags with up to date contact information and their name. Have a leash, crate, or carrier ready for transportation. Be prepared to transport your pets individually. Although keeping all your pets together in an emergency or evacuation is ideal, they might need to be separated and each require their own transportation carrier/leash etc.

Micro-Chipping
• Consider having a microchip placed by your veterinarian. This is an inexpensive way of providing your pet with information that can link them back to you. A small metal chip with a number is placed under the skin. It only takes a minute, is relatively painless, and is affordable. Most shelters and veterinary clinics routinely scan any animal that comes in without an owner for a microchip. If found, the microchip company, to which you give your contact information, can call and let you know your pet is found. Many dogs, and a VERY small proportion of cats that are lost are never returned to their owner.

What To Do If There Is An Emergency:

Assemble A Kit

When an emergency happens quickly assemble, or have assembled, a portable kit, within a sturdy (ideally water proof/resistant) container in an easily accessible place containing the following:
Sturdy leashes (pet’s collars with identification if not already wearing) harnesses, carriers, muzzle etc. for transport
A short supply of food, bowls (traveling bowls are especially easy to store) bottled water, a can opener, and a cat pan with
some stored cat litter
Medications and a copy of current medical records in a water proof container
Pet beds, blankets, and even some toys if they are easily transportable
A photo that is current and has your pet with you in it. Ideally the picture should highlight any unique markings your pet
may have. This will decrease confusion and aid in returning the right pet to the right owner.
A first aid kit

Know what to do as the disaster approaches!
Pay attention to warnings issued over the internet, television, or radio. At the first sign of an impending disaster begin to
act to protect your pet.
Call to any places with which you have established emergency information such as boarding facilities, veterinarians, family
members that can keep your pets etc.
Ensure all your pets are wearing their collars with up to date information clearly visible including their name (a rabies tag is
NOT sufficient)
Check that your pets emergency supplies are ready to go at a moments notice
Make sure that all of your pets are inside. Our feline friends in particular have a way of disappearing right as we need to
get them into their carrier. Minimize their fear of the carrier by leaving their carrier out within the living room with treats,
cat nip, blankets, and toys within the carrier so that they have a more positive association.


What To Do After a Disaster Has Occurred

Consult Your Veterinarian
• After a disaster has occurred your pet may need medical care and behavioral support. Consult your veterinarian after a disaster occurs to go over any care that may be needed and discuss any behavioral changes.

Keep Tabs on Your Pet
• After a disaster normal boundaries such as fences, runs, and doors may have become damaged. Keep direct watch of your pet as they may have a greater chance of escaping.

Behavioral Changes
• Emergencies and natural disasters are scary. They can be especially traumatizing for your pet, and you may notice mild to severe behavioral changes after a traumatic experience. Spend time with your pet and pay close attention to their behavior especially if they are displaying defensive, aggressive, or anxiety related behavioral changes.

Damages and Hazards
• Use caution bringing your pet(s) back into the area where the disaster occurred. Remember they are not wearing shoes and therefore their paws, belly, and nose in particular can become exposed to dangerous debris such as broken glass, and harsh chemicals such as bleach.

We appreciate your interest in pet first aid awareness month! If you are looking for more information contact the red cross or visit redcross.org. Keep in mind the Red Cross offers pet first aid and CPR classes across the country to help teach people what to do in emergency situations. Contact your local Red Cross for more information. As always feel free to contact us at our hospital at 725-8117. If you are interested in more specific information, or information regarding a topic not covered like preparedness for emergencies for your small mammal pets, please let me know!

Dr. Santspree