National Pet Week May 6-12, 2007
Celebrating the human-animal bond
and responsible pet ownership

Saving the whole family.
Nature and life have fury days.
Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, fires, blizzards, terrorism...

Devastating natural and man-made disasters can ravage our lives. No one is exempt from the possibility of being affected personally. You need to prepare for yourself and for your animals in case of disaster.

Do Not Wait Until It Is Too Late
Countless times people have been told to leave their homes for a "short time," only to find that they cannot return for days or weeks. Even disasters like gas leaks and minor flooding can keep you from tending to your animals for extended periods of time. To prevent situations such as these take your animals with you.

It is best to be overly cautious during a disaster warning. Preparing ahead of time and acting quickly is the best way to keep you and your family, including your animals, out of danger. Familiarize yourself with each type of disaster that could affect your area, not forgetting a hazardous materials spill. Be prepared for the possible disruption of services for extended periods of time, including electric, phone, and local food and water sources. Having a plan in place and practicing the plan prior to a disaster will help you accomplish a successful evacuation and maintain the safety of your animals.

Preparing a Disaster Plan
Setup an appointment to talk to your veterinarian about disaster planning. Assemble an animal evacuation kit.  Develop an evacuation plan for all of your animals and practice the plan.. If you live in an apartment, make sure your animals are on record with management and are able to evacuate via the stairwell. Dogs should be taught to go up and down stairs to better assist rescue personnel. Keep written directions to your home near your telephone. This will help you and others explain to emergency responders exactly how to get to your home. Identify alternate sources of food and water. Keep all vehicles well maintained and full of gas. Keep emergency cash on hand. Preplace stickers on front and back house doors, to notify neighbors, fire fighters, police, and other rescue personnel that animals are on your property and where to find your evacuation supplies. Having identification on your animals, including rabies and license tags, may help reunite you with your animal (s) in the event that you are separated. Identification should provide your name, home address, a phone number where you can be reached, and an out-of-state phone number of someone with whom you will be in contact during or soon after the disaster/evacuation. Include your veterinarian's name, location, and phone number. Locate and prearrange an evacuation site for your family and animals outside your immediate area. Ideally, this will be a friend/relative or a pet-friendly hotel that is willing to let your family and animals stay in the event of a disaster. Make photocopies of important veterinary documents to store in the evacuation kit. Make copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase, and microchip information to store in the evacuation kit. List each one of your animals and their species, breed, age, sex, color, and distinguishing characteristics. Prepare this list now before a disaster strikes. Include addresses and 24-hour contact numbers, if available. These contacts can be used by rescue personnel responding to a disaster affecting your animals or by you during a disaster or an evacuation. Keep one copy near your telephone and one copy in your animal evacuation kit.

Small Animal Evacuation Kit
• 2-week supply of food (dry & canned)
• 2-week supply of water in plastic gallon jugs with secure lids
• Batteries (flashlight, radio)
• Cage/carrier (one for each animal, labeled with your contact information)
• Can opener (manual)
• Cat/wildlife gloves
• Copies of veterinary records and proof of ownership
• Emergency contact list
• Familiar items to make pets feel comfortable (favorite toys, treats, blankets)
• First aid kit Flashlight Instructions
• Diet: record the diet for each individual animal, including what not to feed in case of allergies.
• Medications: list each animal separately, including dose and frequency for each medication. Provide veterinary and pharmacy contact information for refills.
• Leash and collar or harness (for each animal)
• Litter, litter pan, litter scoop
• Maps of local area and alternate evacuation routes (in case of road closures)
• Muzzles (dog or cat)
• Newspaper (bedding, litter)
• No-spill food and water dishes
• Paper towels
• Radio (solar and battery operated)
• Spoon (for canned food)
• Stakes and tie-outs
• Trash bags
• This article is brought to you by the AVMA disaster prepareness website.

Attention UK Employees!

Tates Creek Animal Hospital has partnered with UK to offer 10% discounts off your pet’s Wellness Health Care visits. Present your valid employee ID at checkout to receive your discount.

Flip the Lip

Periodontal disease is the most common infectious disease in both dogs and cats. In fact, 85% of adult pets have some form of periodontal disease. If left untreated, that can mean pain, bad breath and tooth loss for your pet. Chronic infection in the oral cavity can spread harmful bacteria to the bloodstream and infect the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. One milligram of plaque alone contains over 1 trillion bacteria—bacteria that can cause disease. Fortunately, most periodontal disease can be prevented by daily plaque removal and regular professional care.

C.E.T.® makes it Easy as One, Two, Three.

Good to chew
Better to rinse
Best to brush

Ask a staff member to design a home dental program for you and your pet.

Free sample of Feline Greenies

Go to www.greenies.com and sign up for a free sample of Feline Greenies and receive a $1.00 off coupon for your next purchase. 8 different flavors to choose.