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By Troy Foote
The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.
Different disasters require different responses. But whether the disaster is a hurricane or a hazardous spill, you may have to evacuate your home.
In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse. So prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.
1. Have a Safe Place To Take Your Pets
Disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of provincial and states' health and safety regulations and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in shelters. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes to do your research.
Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask if "no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.
Ask friends, relatives, or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals. If you have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house them separately.
Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.
Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster. Animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have as well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.
2. Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit
Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you'll need essential supplies. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily (duffle bags, covered trash containers, etc.). Your pet disaster supplies kit should include:
Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit.
Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can't escape.
Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener.
Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.
3. Know What To Do As a Disaster Approaches
Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet.
Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.
Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.
Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.
Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet's ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.
You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home. If you use a pet sitting service, they may be available to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance.
P.S. Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely. But bear in mind that animals react differently under stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers. Don't leave animals unattended anywhere they can run off. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape, or even bite or scratch. And, when you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines.
It's too late to wait until it happens... If you haven't prepared for this, then spend 1 less hour this week watching T.V. and get prepared.
Troy is a huge advocate for pet health and has written a number of articles on pet health care and nutrition. For more information on please visit Pamper Pet Care
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Troy_Foote
Tips For the Proper Care and Cleaning of Your Dog's Ears
By Sean S. Fredrick
Your dog's ears are one of the most sensitive parts of their body, vigorous activity, horseplay, and simply running through the woods around your house can cause nicks, scratches, and bruises which can develop into a far more serious injury. Contaminants such as dirt, leaves, excess earwax, and mites must be removed for the proper health and avoidance of ear infection.
An ear infection has the potential to rapidly spread throughout the cranial cavity, causing problems with balance, hearing loss, and even deafness. All it takes is a little preemptive care and attention to avoid such a catastrophic condition. Regular cleaning is the key, and proper cleaning methods must be used as to avoid unintended injury.
A thorough cleaning and inspection is especially important after any violent incident involving another animal, because ears and noses are the most prone to injury. Rabies and other diseases are normally spread through open wounds and saliva, so be sure to visit your vet after such an occurrence.
Proper cleaning up your dog's ears is essential to their health since hearing is one of the most important of their senses. The ears are extremely delicate so gentle and thorough methods are required. This cleaning should be done every few days especially for those dogs that spend frequent time outdoors in rough wooded areas.
One of the first steps for long-haired breeds is to trim excessively long fur from around the ear canal. Not too much because fur also acts as protection of the ear canal. Clean under floppy ears removing contaminants such as dirt, grass, and leaves. Check for cuts and abrasions in this area as well since this is a critical area for long eared dogs.
Gently clean the inside of the ear canal with a cotton cloth and warm water. Mineral oil on a clean cotton cloth can assist in removing excess earwax and oily buildup. Never insert any objects such as a cotton swab directly into the ear canal because you may cause a serious injury if your dog happens to jerk or move their head suddenly. When bathing take care as to not let this soapy water enter the ear canal where as this may cause an infection.
Inspect your dog's ears frequently for cuts, open wounds, and other bruising. Minor irritations such as fleas and ticks can cause incessant scratching and further injury. Watch for problems with balance and hearing, these are signs of an unseen ear infection. Consult your veterinarian if these symptoms arise.
Follow the proper cleaning and care procedures and insure that common and preventable ear injuries and conditions are avoided. Loving care and observation of your dog's health will make for a long and healthy relationship!
For more interesting, entertaining, and heartfelt articles about dogs and many other kinds of pets, visit Thought Search Articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_S._Fredrick
Find Cat Breed Information And Information On Shorthair Cats
Author: Martin Marks
A cat is a small felid mammal that has been domesticated for several years. The word cat most usually means a domestic or house cat, even though people used to refer this as member of a feline family. For instance, people often refer tigers, lions, and jaguars as the large cats.
Domestic cats hailed from the inherited wild species such as Felis silvestris, the African and European wild cat. In recent times, people consider a domestic cat as a separate species and call Felis Catus.
While looking at the appearance of domestic cats, they are same as their wild relatives. Even many behaviors such as hunting down and other routine activities remain to be as same as their inherited form. The first ever domestication of cats took place in Egypt.
In 4000 BC, the Ancient Egyptians domesticated cats to protect their grain stores from rats and mice. They considered cats as goddess Bast's avatars. If any person killed cats, he/she would be given death penalty. At times, when domestic cats died, individuals arranged for mummification as similar to human.
Nonetheless, by 500 BC, the Greeks started to domesticate cats and spread this practice throughout the world. Recently, domestication of cats is very popular all over the world, mostly by the colonist from Europe.
Varieties of Domesticated Cat:
There are several names to domesticated cats, each with unique features and legacy. However, because of some common interbreeding in colonized regions, several cats are merely recognized as family members of homogenous varieties of domestic shorthair and domestic longhair, depending on their hair types.
Tortoiseshell (UK) or Calico (USA) cats have various colors. Bicolor cats are partially white. A tabby cat features stripe around its skin. A male domestic cat is a tomcat and similarly a female domestic cat is a queen.
A young domestic cat is a kitten. A domestic cat whose heritage is officially registered is a pedigreed cat or purebred cat or a show cat. The breeders and owners of these domestic cats contend against one another to see who breeds well.
Less than 1% of the entire domestic cats are purebred cats and the rest 99% have varied ancestry, known as moggies or more often domestic shorthairs and domestic longhairs.
Common Domesticated Cats:
Domestic shorthaired cats and domestic longhaired cats are the two major kinds of domesticated cats, which are popular all over the world in recent years.
Domestic shorthaired cats do not represent a renowned cat variety or feature a pedigree, instead they are popular for their wide array of colors around their body. This could be of any color or a mixture of various colors.
Domestic longhaired cats come with moderate or long hair. Their standard colors include tortie and tabby and/or are bi-colored. These cats are excellent family pets, especially for people who are ready to give their hair the additional care it requires.
However, with a little research work, people can ensure themselves to determine the right type of domestic cats for their own needs.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/find-cat-breed-information-and-information-on-shorthair-cats-431659.html
About the Author:
Go to Cat and Kitten Zone to get your free ebook about Cats and Kittens at Cats. Cat and Kitten Zone also has information on Kittens, Cat Supplies and a Cat and Kitten Forum where you can connect with others who love cats and kittens. You can Find Cat and Kitten Zone at www.catandkittenzone.com.
Dog Training – Best Dog Leads and Leashes
Author: John Williams
Dog leashes or leads are an extremely essential training tool or even just for general care and wellbeing for your dog. Whether you use your leash for taking you dog for long walks or only use it for teaching your dog right from wrong in the comfort of your back garden, a lead is always an important buy for you and your dog.
As a dog owner and a consumer, your choice of dog leads/leashes is as you might expect, huge. With so much choice and variations, choosing which lead or leash to use can be a bigger challenge than the actual training of your dog.
So what are the different kinds of leads and leashes? Well trust me there are thousands out there to choose from, I will only go through a few of the more popular types of leash as I’m sure there are many different types of leads being brought onto the market every week and it would be an impossible task to keep track of all of them.
In the next part of this article I will first go through the different types of lead then finish off with my personal views and preferences.
Extending leads
These do exactly what is says, they ‘extend’ away from the owner for a certain distance before running out of slack. With these leashes the owner has control of when to stop the lead extending further and can be used just like a normal leash if needs be.
Slip leads
These leads are a simple type of lead with a loop on both sides normally with and adjustable clip at the end that tightens when pulled or loosens around the dog’s neck for comfort when there is no pulling. Used by many for dog training.
Nylon leads
This is the cheaper option of dog lead, the simplest form of dog leash available, often causes rubbing and digging into your dog’s skin. Nylon leashes are best avoided.
Bungee leads
These leads help to eliminate the slack that other leads cause so that your dog does not trip over the leash and there is less pulling on your arm from a dog in the training process.
Leather leads
This is a popular type of lead that is comfortable for your dog and gives you full control of how far your dog can wonder. A good lead for training but can be tiring on your arm if your dog tends to try and pull you around.
My Conclusion
It is the preference of the trainer in hand at the end of the day but I feel leather leads are best for me and show your dog sum gentle authority when starting to train. Letting your dog wonder too far on walks can give your dog too much freedom and chance to misbehave.
If you are interested in training then I would go for a leather lead to begin, if you just like going for walks in the park or your dog is well behaved then you could maybe opt for an extendable leash.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-training-best-dog-leads-and-leashes-256111.html
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For more information visit our dog training website at this link... Dog Training
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Understanding Black Labrador Puppies
Author: Anna Hart
It is a puppy that has bonded with his "pack" and fits in well. It has been socialized – but how do you socialize a black Labrador puppy?
Socializing the Black Labrador Puppy
All dogs are social creatures, but few are as social as a black Labrador puppy. A black Labrador puppy loves attention, and wants to get it from everyone and everything. A black Labrador puppy does not want to share, however, and must learn that every member of the "pack" shares. He must learn how to respond to both human and animal members of his new pack.
Understanding black Labrador puppies involves 7 simple steps that help puppies become well-rounded.
1. Puppy Pats
Your black Labrador puppy needs to be patted, touched, and caressed. Most people do this instinctively from the time they get the puppy. Children, especially, touch the puppy in every possible place they can. The more children there are, the more puppy pats your black Labrador puppy will receive. Even if yours is a gun dog, and children are not playing with it, it still needs puppy pats. Let it feel your hand on its ears, its nose, and its paw pads. Get your black Labrador puppy accustomed to being touched and patted. It will help him fit into his new life. While you're at it, teach children how to treat the puppy.
2. Puppy Playtime
It is important that you and your black Labrador puppy have several playtimes each day. If possible, give him at least one in the morning and one in the evening, as this will establish a pattern for future exercise times. Teach your black Labrador puppy that you are his friend. Play fetch. Take a toy away, teaching the importance of sharing. Do not let him take it back in an aggressive manner. Hide a toy and let him hunt it.
3. Puppy Rolling Game
Every black Labrador puppy needs to be involved in frequent bouts of the puppy rolling game. This game shows the puppy that his position in your pack is one of submission. When playing with your black Labrador puppy, roll him on his side now and then. Hold him there as you silently count to 10. When you reach 10, remove your hand and let the puppy get up. If he struggles while you're holding him, do not let go. You must not let your black Labrador puppy overpower you, or he will believe he is the pack's dominant member.
4. Share-a-Puppy
A big part of understanding black Labrador puppies is recognizing that they need a wide circle of acquaintances. When you get your pup, note his age in a notebook. Subtract it from 24 weeks. If your puppy is 8 weeks old, you would subtract 24 - 8 = 16. In those weeks (whatever number you wrote), you need to share your puppy with at least 100 new people. If you wrote 16 weeks, set a goal of having your puppy meet 6-7 new people each week. Keep track so you know it is happening. Simply have strangers hold your black Labrador puppy, and touch it. Hand it back and forth carefully so it does not fall.
5. Share-a-Meal
A black Labrador puppy can quickly learn to be protective of his food dish. If left to natural instincts, he may become hostile when others come near his bowl. To avoid this, share a meal by sitting or standing close to the bowl when the pup is eating. Have other family members do the same. Teach your black Labrador puppy that his food is safe even when someone is very near.
6. Puppy Home School
From the time you get your black Labrador puppy, teach him every day. He is old enough to learn basic commands such as come; down; drop it; leave it; and sit. Avoid yelling at the puppy or punishing it. There are good Labrador training courses available on the Internet. Order one and use it faithfully.
7. Puppy Support Group
Please understand that a black Labrador puppy needs the constant support of everyone in his home. Life is full of exciting things, as well as frightening things. When a garbage truck comes banging down the street, he will tuck his little tail between his legs and run for cover. What do you do. You – and everyone else present – act as though nothing happened. Your black Labrador puppy will notice that he is the only one running. He will soon decide that, if no one else is afraid, the sound of garbage trucks is not important.
Understanding black Labrador puppies is an ongoing process, but these 7 steps will give you a good start.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/understanding-black-labrador-puppies-345655.html
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