Public Ed.

Santa Maria Kennel Club, Inc.

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Public Ed.

Pets & Disasters

When it comes to your pets, they are as dependent on you as your children are. If it is evident that you will have to evacuate, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND; however, keep in mind that pets are not allowed in public shelters, for health reasons. In most states, trained guide dogs for the blind, hearing impaired, or handicapped will be allowed to stay in emergency shelters with their owners. Check with local emergency management officials for more information. Here are a few things to think about concerning your pets and disasters.

Before:

- Contact your local animal shelter, humane society, veterinarian, or emergency management office for information on caring for pets in an emergency. Also, see if your veterinarian will accept your pet in an emergency.
- You will need a pet carrier that allows your pet to stand up and turn around inside.
- Make sure your pet has a properly fitted collar that includes current license and rabies tags. Include an identification tag that has your name, address, and phone number. Keep your pet's shot current and know where the records are. Keep a current photo for identification purposes.
- WHen assembling emergency supplies for the house hold, include items for pets in a "Pet Survival Kit".
        * Extra food and bottled water
        * Kitty litter and pan (if needed)
        * Large capacity self-feeder and water dispenser
        * Extra medications

During:

- Bring your pets inside immediately
- Keep small pets away from cats and dogs
- Separate dogs and cats. Even if they normally get along

After:

- If after a disaster you have to leave town, take your pets with you. Pets are unlikely to survive on their own.
- In the first few days after the disaster, leash your pets when you go outside. Always maintain close contact. The behavior of your pets may change after an emergency. Normally quiet and friendly pets become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard with access to shelter and water.

If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your pet in great danger! Confine your pet to a safe area inside -- NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET CHAINED OUTSIDE! Place a notice outside in a visible area, advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you, or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your vet.

I don't know if this is true or not. But, you can never be too careful.

WARNING At NO time use Comfortis (for fleas) and Ivermectin
together . It can be DEADLY to your pet. My friend in Texas just found this out the hard way. She did NOT loose her Great Dane but she may never be the same.
She's lucky.

These two chemicals do NOT go together. BE CAREFUL!!!

Disclaimer: Always check with your vet when it comes to medicating your pets.

Dog Owner’s Guide to Preventative Medicine

Vaccinations:

Distemper/Parvo Combo 7, 10, 13 & 16 weeks, booster in one year, then every three years

Rabies are required by law at 16 weeks, booster in one year, then booster every three years

Bordetella (Kennel Cough) twice yearly if you board or show your pet.

*Vaccines are rotated on a yearly basis according to the American Animal Hospital Assoc. guidelines

Deworming:

All puppies should be dewormed every 3 to 4 weeks starting at 6 weeks of age continuing until

four months of age.

Heartworm Disease and Internal Parasite Control:

All dogs should be treated with Heartgard Plus, Revolution, or Interceptor monthly for the prevention of roundworm, hookworm and heartworm and have a fecal exam and heartworm test annually.

Fleas and Ticks:

Comfortis or Revolution should be used monthly to prevent fleas.

Frontline should be applied monthly to prevent both fleas and ticks.

Preventic tick collar can be used with all of the above for superior tick prevention.

Preventative Surgery:

Male dogs should be neutered at 4-6 months of age.

Female dogs should be spayed at 4-6 months of age.

Bathing and Grooming:

We recommend that your dog receive professional grooming and bathing with Epi-Soothe Shampoo on a monthly basis or more frequently depending on the breed and requirement of your dog.

Dentistry:

Dog’s teeth should be brushed daily using CET Toothpaste, Maxi/Guard Oral Cleansing Gel or apply OraVet Plaque Prevention Gel every 2 weeks. I also, recommend giving your dog Greenies and rawhide chews to help control tarter buildup. Professional cleaning and polishing should be performed at least once yearly beginning at 2 to 3 years.

Diet:

We recommend feeding Science Diet or Eukanuba Puppy formula up to one year of age, then switching to Science Diet Adult, Science Diet Adult Light, Canidae, Eukanuba F/P, or Z/D Ultra until 7 years of age. Dogs 7 years of age and older can be fed Science Diet Senior or Eukanuba Senior for longevity. (rev. 2/24/10)

(Disclaimer: The SMKC does not endorse time specific spay/neuter guidelines or vet specific food. Spay/neuter and food is a personel choice and should be discussed with your vet.)