September was Preparedness Month. October is the time for a plan to be put in motion, although humans resist planning. Pet Parents must be the ALPHA in emergency situations…especially when panic sets in. Peggy Rew, a Sparks-based American Red Cross Dog & Cat First Aid & CPR Instructor, recently taught a class in Loyalton thanks to Niecea Freeman and her family of furry friend lovers. Rew has submitted a preparedness article for your information. Secured at home: ~ Be sure all pets are micro-chipped or at least, have a collar and identification. ~ With any weather changes, bring pets inside the house or garage and are easy to locate in case you have to evacuate. Dogs will panic and run while cats hide in fear. ~ Don’t be surprised if pets hide in tubs or dark closets. Movement items: ~ Leashes, collars, blankets, kennels, crates for all pets. Dogs, cats, ferrets, pet pigs, and birds can be transported in a dog crate, but practice, practice, practice loading all pets before you have to go. Get them comfortable by leaving the crates out where they can investigate inside and out. Cats can be easily ‘poured’ into a crate from the top rather than shoved. Crates usually remind them of something unpleasant like going to the Vet, so give them a chance to make it their ‘safe’ place. ~ Calming Aids: Benadryl is a great calming aid for pets and people. Keep fresh lavender, mint & chamomile and a bandana in a Ziploc. Put the bandana on your pet and the calming will start. Whole Foods has a spray form of lavender, but get it in advance. Life’s Abundance has a Soothing Mist that works well, too. www.rewcrew.com Nutrition supplies: ~ Pet food, bottled water, chicken broth, Pedia-Lyte for hydration; manual can opener; dishes; treats; medication/allergy list; toys for distraction; kitty litter and box. Keep emergency pet food kits ready at home as well as at friends’ or relatives’ homes in case you end up there, but be sure it’s fresh. Yes, this will require you to check it and date it every few months. Pet boarding options: ~ Evacuation centers: Find the closest one, though many sites can’t take pets into the facility, so be prepared with other options. ~ Out of your area: Make a list of pet-friendly hotels or boarding kennels far away from the affected area like Truckee, Roseville, Fernley, Fallon, Reno, Carson City, Portola, etc. ~ Washoe County Regional Animal Services (775.322.3647) and outlining county Animal Rescue Agencies keep a list of boarding options if they can’t board your pet. Many local facilities offer free boarding when emergencies occur. ~ Although keeping the family together is preferred, be ready to separate pets if needed. Ask family members which of your pets they can take, if needed. Injury Preparedness: ~ First Aid kits for your human family and one for your furry kids with photos of each pet. ~ Include a list of behavioral issues (thunder, chemical allergies, etc.) if boarding is needed. ~ Panic can cause injury: don’t be scared, be prepared. ~ Not sure how to build a first aid kit or how to care for an injured pet? ~ Come to Dog & Cat First Aid & CPR classes. Host one for your group of friends, family or community. After the fact: Some pets may experience a variety of behavioral issues after an emergency. Be their eyes, ears, and nose until everyone is settled back home, but be aware this can take a while. Pets can not tell you if they are upset or anxious, so please, please keep watch on them until you feel they have settled down. You may need a simple ‘Vet Check’ just to make sure they are ok. Peggy Rew is a Sparks, NV-based American Red Cross Dog & Cat First Aid & CPR Instructor and travels nationwide. Her students include: ~ Northern Nevada and Northern California Pet Parents, Doggie Daycare Employees, and Rescue Groups ~ Denver-based Canine Companion Puppy Raisers & Handlers & Craig Hospital Employees/Volunteers ~ National Guide Dog Users and Puppy Raisers ~ The Shining Stars Youth Cancer Foundation in Colorado Dog & Cat First Aid & CPR classes is the best two hours you’ll spend to be prepared for your furry family. The education will last a lifetime. Interested in hosting a class? Contact Peggy Rew. Cost: $35 for one certificate or $45 for both certificates. Rew is also a published wordsmith/poet who felt a Dog Bite Prevention Educational Coloring Book was needed for anyone who interacts with dogs or for people who don’t understand dogs. She is part of the Art Paws organizing team; a local educator; professional pet nanny; pet rescue group liaison; and Life’s Abundance distributor of Planet-friendly products for pets and people. Life Abundance’s Soothing Mist is another amazing calming aid.