How to Take Care of Your Pet When Disaster Strikes

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.

Grant Carroll proud father of three dogs and co-owner of http://www.littlepamperedpets.com with Dog Clothes and Small Dog Sweaters.
Also visit Little Pampered Babies where you can find Unique Baby Clothes and Toddler Clothing.