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October is Disaster Preparedness Month! . . .
. . . Many of our clients are familiar with "5 Easy Steps" that we created a few years ago. Although we need to be ready at any time throughout the year October seems to be a good time for this reminder as we remember the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989. So resolve to look at your earthquake kit (Really, it's an Emergency Preparedness Kit as there are many potential disasters we might have to face besides earthquakes) and prepare yourself and your pets for any kind of emergency.
I was asked to submit the following article to DogTrekker's weekly newsletter. DogTrekker is a website dedicated "
fun for dogs and the humans who follow.".
If you had to evacuate your house quickly, what would you take with you? Of course, your beloved pets and their emergency kit! Emergencies can happen at any time so we need to be prepared, both for ourselves and for our pets.
Just follow these 5 Easy Steps to get ready and be prepared.
1. Have a strong, portable hard-sided crate for every one of your pets easily accessible. Also, have extra collars and leashes, food and water bowls. These items are important should you have to evacuate.
2. Be sure that eac h of your pets is micro-chipped and wearing a collar with appropriate identification tags. Micro-chipping ca n be done at your local shelter, or veterinarian's office. It is a simple and quick procedure. ID TAGS should be legible and have your name, pet's name and phone numbers - both home and cell. If possible, include your address. Be sure your dog is wearing its local city/county issued dog license.
3. Always keep an extra bag (two weeks supply) of dog food ready in your emergency kit. You can always rotate this extra bag so that it never gets stale. If you are feeding a canned diet, remember to store a manual can opener in the kit. Be sure you've also stored an emergency supply of water for your pet.
4. Have your pet's medical records, including vaccination records and RECENT PICTURES, (a picture showing you with your pet is preferable) ready and in a waterproof envelope. You may need to place your pet in a boarding facility at a moment's notice.
5. Put together a pet first aid kit. If your pet is on any long-term medication, plan ahead to have extra on hand. Pets that are diabetic, have heart conditions, epilepsy, thyroid and/or kidney conditions will need their medication every day.
By doing all this, you will be in a better position to care for your pet should disaster strike. For more information, visit the Humane Society of the United States' disaster preparedness webpage, and the California state pet preparedness site.
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The Next PetPrints will Look Different . . .
. . . When you get your next edition of PetPrints via email it will look a bit different than what you've been used to. That's because we'll be sending it via a new program called "Demandforce" which allows us to enhance our communication with our clients in many ways other than the newsletter itself.  _____________________________________
Puppy Class - Does Your Puppy Need to go? . . .
. . . Puppy Socialization classes have resumed at Arroyo on Wednesday evenings, after taking a summer break. Dog trainer Annie Humphrey, MSW, CPDT, of Good Dog! Professional Dog Training, will teach puppies from the age of 10 - 16 weeks with proof of 2 sets of vaccinations. The class is from 6:15 - 7:30 pm and the drop-in fee is $15. The class focuses on socialization and building confidence; teaching manners and beginning obedience; bite inhibition and mouthiness; fun, safe puppy play time. There will be Q and A time with the instructor during each class. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program readiness and testing is also available.
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