Protect Your Pet Before Disasters

Your pets should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times. Also include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area if your pet is lost, you'll want to provide a number on the tag that will be answered even if you're out of your home. Ask your veterinarian about permanent identification that can't slip off, such as a tattoo or imbedded microchip. Carry an updated photograph of your pet to help in locating them if you become separated.

Medical Records and Medication

Include copies of your pets medical records in a Pet Travel Kit and make an additional copy to leave with a family member.

Food & Comfort: Your Pet Travel Kit should have all ready packed packages of food and water and any medication necessary, an extra leash and something comforting to the pet such as a blanket or bedding they are familiar with. Don't forget a bowl and a can opener.

Find a Safe Place Ahead of Time

Because most evacuation shelters generally don't accept pets (except for service animals), you must plan ahead to ensure that your family and pets will have a safe place to stay.

Don't wait until disaster strikes to do your research.

Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might be able to shelter animals in emergencies; include 24-hour telephone numbers. Ask your local animal shelter if it provides foster care or shelter for pets in an emergency. This should be your last resort, as shelters have limited resources and are likely to be stretched to their limits during an emergency.

Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets. Ask about any restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask if "no pet" policies would be waived in an emergency. Make a list of pet-friendly places and keep it handy. Call ahead for a reservation as soon as you think you might have to leave your home. Check with friends, relatives, or others outside your immediate area. Ask if they would be able to shelter you and your animals or just your animals, if necessary. If you have more than one pet, you may have to be prepared to house them separately.

Keep Your Pets Safe During Spring Cleaning

With the arrival of warmer weather, many pet owners will start on do-it-yourself projects around the house.

Certain construction glues may produce only mild stomach upset, while others can cause significant irritation to your pets. Some expanding glue products can result in a potentially life-threatening intestinal obstruction.

Paint thinners, mineral spirits, and other solvents can result in severe irritation or chemical burns to the skin, eyes and mouth. In halation could lead to pneumonia.

If you suspect your pet has gotten into any of these products, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Choosing Your Family Dog

There are many different dog breeds to choose from. The things you need to keep in mind are your lifestyle, your hobbies and your present and future situation.

Do you want a pet or do you want a show do? Is it better to adopt a small dog or large breed dog. How much outside space do you have for a large dog if you decide you want a bigger pet?

Do you like crossbreed or purebreds? Is it important to you if your dog is AKC registered? Do you want a puppy or an adult dog?

There are benefits in getting an adult dog. They are already house broken and they probably aren't going to chew up a lot of your shoes and other things. If you decide on acquiring an adult dog, try a couple of tests to be sure of its disposition and personality. Try walking it near another dog, near a child that the dog has never met before and see how it reacts.

Puppies still have a lot to learn and are easily influenced and impressionable. Though still young each and every puppy has its own distinctive personality. The shy puppies stay close to their mothers or hid in corners, while the more sociable puppy will go right over to you and want to play.

As you can see, there is a lot to making the right choice for your family dog.