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Will You Be Prepared For a Pet-Related Emergency?

April is National Pet First-Aid Awareness Month. A few weeks ago, we chatted about how to create a first-aid kit for your pet, but that’s not the only step you can take to be prepared for a pet-related emergency. For instance,

Do you know how to recognize the signs that your pet may have been poisoned?
Would you be able to tell if your pet was dehydrated?
Do you know the symptoms of heat stroke?

And the question isn’t just do you recognize these scenarios, but would you know what to do in the event of one?

Being prepared for a crisis could mean the difference between life and death for your pet, and The American Red Cross is an invaluable resource for information. Visit their site to lear more about the conditions I listed above, as well as other emergency situations you could potentially face with your pet. Also, be sure to check out their free Pet First Aid app, available for iPhone and Android. The app provides step-by-step instructions, videos, and images for more than 25 common first aid emergencies.

Will you be prepared for a pet-related emergency?

Planning For Your Pet’s Future… Without You

Did you know that approximately 5 to 7 million dogs and cats enter US animal shelters each year, and approximately 3 to 4 million are euthanized? That’s 60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats. That’s a pretty staggering number, isn’t it?

It is so important to for pet owners to think about who will care for our pets in the event of our inability to do so, so that our pets don’t become a shelter statistic. Now maybe someone immediately comes to mind, when you think about who you would entrust your pet’s care to if you were not around. But there are still some things to consider:

DO NOT assume that the caretakers you have in mind, including rescue organizations, will accept the responsibility of caring for your pet. We’ve seen so many pets end up dumped in shelters because the designated caretaker had no interest in assuming the responsibility. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you speak with each individual or organization to make sure they are ready, willing, and able to care for your pet if you’re not.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. In other words, make a plan for more than one possible guardian for the care of your pet, should the need arise. This way, if the primary guardian you’ve selected is unavailable or unwilling when the time comes, your pet will not be left without a home. Circumstances change, so it is always best to have a back-up plan.

There are so many things to consider when planning for your pet’s future, and what works for someone else’s situation might not be right for yours. The ASPCA provides a lot of great information about planning for your pet’s future without you, and we highly recommend visiting their website to learn more.

Have you made a plan for your pets, should something happen to you? Their future is in your hands; please be prepared.

How To Trim a Cat’s Nails

If you’ve ever tried to trim a cat’s nails, you know that it’s a task that’s not for the faint of heart. But it is possible to make these necessary nail-trimming sessions an enjoyable time for both you and your kitty.

The first step is to develop a routine. If you and your cat can get into a rhythm of clipping the nails every ten days to two weeks, you’ll have established an ideal schedule.

Next, make sure your cat is comfortable with the sound of the clippers before you attempt to trim her nails. The ASPCA recommends putting kitty on your lap and putting a piece of uncooked spaghetti into the clippers. While massaging your cat’s toe, gently press her toe pad extend her nail, and then clip the spaghetti with the clippers. Do this a few times and the cat will come to associate the sound of the clippers with the gentle massaging of her toes.

See the rest of the ASPCA’s recommendations here.

Most of all, throughout the entire nail trimming process, it’s important for you to stay calm. Your kitty will be more inclined to relax and not become scared when you maintain a gentle demeanor. When you’re laid about the process, she’s more likely to be, as well.

Do you trim your cat’s nails? We’d love to hear about your experience in a comment below!

10 Tips for Flying with Your Cat

Now that warmer weather is here, you might be starting to think about planning a vacation away from home. Whether it’s a spring break trip or a summer vacation, one thing’s for sure: you’ll either have to make arrangements for someone to care for your cat while you’re away from home, or maybe you’ll choose to take her with you.

If you’ve never flown on a commercial airplane with a cat, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the airline’s pet policies in advance. You’ll also find some very helpful tips in the infographic below.

If you’ll be traveling with your pet by car, you might want to check out this great article with tips from Petfinder.

Have you ever traveled with your cat? We’d love for you to share your experience with our readers in a comment below.

How To Create a First Aid Kit for Your Pet

Do you have a first aid kit for your pet?

If not, you might want to consider putting one together. You might also want to make a second one to keep in your car. I carry a million things with me in my big ol’ purse and think it could even be a good idea to have a mini one in there as well. Better safe than sorry!

A few items to keep in your kit include an eye dropper, some antiseptic cleansing wipes, a small bottle of hydrogen peroxide, and some gauze bandages and pads. Some leather gloves to keep your hands safe are also a fantastic idea, as is a pet first aid book. For a more complete list, definitely check out this post from Petfinder on recommended items for your kit.

One thing I personally think is missing from that list is Benadryl, though be sure to check with your vet on the correct dosage for your pet! When my dog had an allergic reaction last year, half a tablet cleared up his hives within a couple of hours.

What do YOU think? Have you ever been in a situation where you wished you’d had a first aid kit? Is there anything you think the list is missing? Let us know in the comments!