{"id":33628,"date":"2013-02-28T21:41:21","date_gmt":"2013-03-01T01:41:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/miserybay.usanethosting.com\/wordpress\/?p=33628"},"modified":"2013-02-28T21:41:21","modified_gmt":"2013-03-01T01:41:21","slug":"pet-126","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/archive1\/pet-126\/","title":{"rendered":"Maralyn's Did You Know?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Disaster Preparedness and Recalls
\nEmergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.
\nStep 1 Get a Rescue Alert Sticker <\/em><\/strong>
\nThis easy-to-use sticker will let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers, and that it includes 1) the types and number of pets in your household; 2) the name of your veterinarian; and 3) your veterinarian’s phone number. If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write “EVACUATED” across the stickers.
\nTo get a free emergency pet alert sticker for your home, please fill out the online order form ; http:\/\/www.aspca.org\/about-us\/free-aspca-stuff\/free-pet-safety-pack.aspx
\n<\/a>
\nPlease allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Your local pet supply store may also sell similar stickers.
\nStep 2 Arrange a Safe Haven <\/em><\/strong>
\nArrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. Do not leave your pets behind.<\/strong> Remember, if it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. They may become trapped or escape and be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards. Note that not all Red Cross disaster shelters accept pets, so it is imperative that you have determined where you will bring your pets ahead of time:
\n\u00b7 Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities.
\n\u00b7 Ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets.
\n\u00b7 Identify hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets.
\n\u00b7 Ask friends and relatives outside your immediate area if they would be willing to take in your pet.
\nStep 3 Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits<\/em> <\/strong>
\nKeep an Evac-Pack and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your pack include:
\n\u00b7 Pet first-aid kit and guide book (ask your vet what to include, or visit the ASPCA Store to buy one online)
\n\u00b7 3-7 days’ worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (be sure to rotate every two months)
\n\u00b7 Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
\n\u00b7 Litter or paper toweling
\n\u00b7 Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
\n\u00b7 Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
\n\u00b7 Pet feeding dishes
\n\u00b7 Extra collar or harness as well as an extra leash
\n\u00b7 Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit-otherwise they may go bad or become useless.)
\n\u00b7 Bottled water, at least 7 days’ worth for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)
\n\u00b7 A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet
\n\u00b7 Flashlight
\n\u00b7 Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet)
\n\u00b7 Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters)
\n\u00b7 Especially for cats: Pillowcase or EvackSack, toys, scoopable litter
\n\u00b7 Especially for dogs: Extra leash, toys and chew toys, a week’s worth of cage liner.
\nYou should also have an emergency kit for the human members of the family. Items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, extra medication and copies of medical and insurance information.
\nStep 4 Choose “Designated Caregivers” <\/em><\/strong>
\nThis step will take considerable time and thought. When choosing a temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives close to your residence. He or she should be someone who is generally home during the day while you are at work or has easy access to your home.
\nA set of keys should be given to this trusted individual. This may work well with neighbors who have pets of their own-you may even swap responsibilities, depending upon who has accessibility.
\nWhen selecting a permanent caregiver, you’ll need to consider other criteria. This is a person to whom you are entrusting the care of your pet in the event that something should happen to you. When selecting this “foster parent,” consider people who have met your pet and have successfully cared for animals in the past. Be sure to discuss your expectations at length with a permanent caregiver, so he or she understands the responsibility of caring for your pet.
\nStep 5 Evacuation Preparation <\/em><\/strong>
\nIf you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials.
\nTo minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:
\n\u00b7 Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible.
\n\u00b7 Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. Your pet’s ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to write your pet’s name, your name and contact information on your pet’s carrier.
\n\u00b7 The ASPCA recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification. A microchip is implanted in the animal’s shoulder area, and can be read by scanner at most animal shelters.
\n\u00b7 Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.
\n\u00b7 Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.
\nStep 6 Geographic and Climatic Considerations <\/em><\/strong>
\nDo you live in an area that is prone to certain natural catastrophes, such as tornadoes, earthquakes or floods? If so, you should plan accordingly.
\n\u00b7 Determine well in advance which rooms offer safe havens. These rooms should be clear of hazards such as windows, flying debris, etc.
\n\u00b7 Choose easy-to-clean areas such as utility rooms, bathrooms, and basements as safe zones.
\n\u00b7 Access to a supply of fresh water is particularly important. In areas that may lose electricity, fill up bathtubs and sinks ahead of time to ensure that you have access to water during a power outage or other crises.
\n\u00b7 In the event of flooding, go to the highest location in your home, or a room that has access to counters or high shelves where your animals can take shelter.
\nIf emergency officials recommend that you stay in your home, it’s crucial that you keep your pets with you. Keep your Evac-Pack and supplies close at hand. Your pets may become stressed during the in-house confinement, so you may consider crating them for safety and comfort.
\nSpecial Considerations for Birds
\n\u00b7 Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.
\n\u00b7 In cold weather, make certain you have a blanket over your pet’s cage. This may also help reduce the stress of traveling.
\n\u00b7 In warm weather, carry a spray bottle to periodically moisten your bird’s feathers.
\n\u00b7 Have recent photos available, and keep your bird’s leg bands on for identification.
\n\u00b7 If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels that you can change frequently.
\n\u00b7 Keep the carrier in as quiet an area as possible.
\n\u00b7 It is particularly imperative that birds eat on a daily basis, so purchase a timed feeder. If you need to leave your bird unexpectedly, the feeder will ensure his daily feeding schedule.
\n\u00b7 Items to keep on hand: Catch net, heavy towel, blanket or sheet to cover cage, cage liner.
\nSpecial Considerations for Reptiles
\n\u00b7 A snake may be transported in a pillowcase, but you should have permanent and secure housing for him when you reach a safe place.
\n\u00b7 Take a sturdy bowl that is large for your pet to soak in. It’s also a good idea to bring along a heating pad or other warming device, such as a hot water bottle.
\n\u00b7 Lizards can be transported like birds (see above).
\nSpecial Considerations for Small Animals
\n\u00b7 Small animals, such as hamsters, gerbils, mice and guinea pigs, should be transported in secure carriers with bedding materials, food and food bowls.
\n\u00b7 Items to keep on hand: Salt lick, extra water bottle, small hidebox or tube, a week’s worth of bedding.<\/p>\n

\n

Hy-Vee Recalls Select Bags of Dog Food<\/strong>
\nHy-Vee, an employee-owned corporation, has issued a voluntary recall for certain bags of Hy-Vee dog food due to elevated levels of a chemical contaminant commonly found in corn.
\nView a full list of recalled products. http:\/\/www.petmd.com\/sites\/default\/files\/Hy-Vee%20Recall.PNG<\/a>
\nAccording to a FDA press release, routine tests conducted by the Iowa Department of Agriculture indicated higher-than-normal levels of aflatoxin in several samples of Hy-Vee dog food produced at the Kansas City plant operated by Pro-Pet, LLC.
\nAflatoxin is a naturally occurring chemical produced by the mold fungus Aspergillus, which is commonly found in corn during drought conditions. Pets that ingest high levels of aflatoxin may become ill over time. If you believe your pet ingested a higher-than-normal level of aflatoxin, consult your veterinarian. No illnesses have been reported and poses no health risk to humans.
\nThe recalled products were distributed to Hy-Vee stores in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin between October 26, 2012 and January 11, 2013. The recall is limited to the products listed above and no other Hy-Vee dog food products or code dates have been affected.
\nCustomers are urged to check the Best By dates and discontinue use if their products are listed in the recall. Recalled dog food, opened or unopened, may be returned to Hy-Vee stores for a full refund.
\nConsumers with questions may call 800-289-8343, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST.
\nSource: FDA<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Disaster Preparedness and Recalls<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-33628","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pets"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/archive1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33628","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/archive1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/archive1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/archive1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/archive1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33628"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/archive1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33628\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/archive1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/archive1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/archive1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}