We at ARF love to share with pet owners information to better serve your pets. Here are a few tips from the veterinarians who partner with ARF about annual due dates for immunizations, and controlling fleas - naturally! In addition, you will also find information from other experts about disaster preparedness. Keep your eyes open for more useful advise and health information.
If you, as a pet owner, have any questions what so ever and can't find the answer else where, please feel free to contat ARF at 787-823-7167. ARF's office is opened Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 9:00am-1:00pm. ARF liaisons with partnering veterinarians, and the municipality. We'll try our hardest to find the answer you seek!
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| Immunization Due Dates for Dogs: |
Immunization Due Every Year for Adult Dogs:
DHL PPVC
Rabies
Puppies Immunization & Deworming Due Dates:
At 4 weeks of age, puppies should be dewormed
At 6 weeks of age, puppies should receive DHLPPVC vaccine and be deworming
At 8 weeks of age, puppies should be dewormed
At 10 weeks of age, puppies should receive DHLPPVC vaccine
At 12 weeks of age, puppies should be dewormed
At 14 weeks of age, puppies should receive DHLPPVC and Rabies vaccines
At 6 months of age, puppies should receive a Heartworm test
Recommended Preventive Medications for Puppies and Adults:
Monthly Heartworm prevention (after puppy reaches 6 months of age)
Monthly Tick and Flea prevention (puppies should receive their first flea/tick bath and collar after 14 weeks of age).
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| Please keep me healthy by immunizing me and deworming me! |
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| Safe and Effective Flea Control - Naturally |
1. Steam clean carpets at the onset of flea season.
2. Thoroughly vacuum and clean floors and furniture at least once a week, to pick up
eggs, larvae and pupae.
3. Launder your pet's bedding in hot, soapy water at least once a week. Dry on
maximum heat.
4. Bath animal with a natural flea control shampoo.
5. Use a flea comb to trap and kill fleas that are on your pet. Gently comb as many areas
your pet will allow. Especially around the head, neck, back and hindquarters.
6. Mow and water your lawn regularly. Short grass allows sunlight to penetrate and
warm the soil, which killls larvae.
7. Apply agricultural lime on grassy or moist areas. This helps dry out the fleas.
8. Use an herbal flea powder. Find them in pet stores and natural food stores. Or make
your own by combining the following herbs found in Natural Food Stores: eucalyptus,
rosemary, fennel, yelllow dock, wormwood and rue.
9. Add nutritional yeast, or Brewer's yeast, and garlic to the diet.
10. Use a spray or powder containing pyrethrins or natural pyrethrum.
Excerpt from "Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats"
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| Information for Preparing Your Pet for Disaster from DHS! |
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| Prepare NOW To Protect Your Pets! |
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Just as it is important to follow the vet's suggestions about providing the basic medical care for your pet, it is also important to follow these three steps suggested by Shep C. Willner for DHS. Read below as he outlines what you and your family should do to be prepared:
Preparing Your Pets for Disaster Let’s talk about preparing your family’s pets to handle disaster, starting with the human part of the family. There are three steps for having a family disaster plan in place:
1. Have a Plan
2. Make a Kit
3. Be Informed
The same holds true for Fluffy, Fido, Polly and Stuart Little: your dog, cat, bird or hamster. Have a plan. Your family should have performed a survey of your community, making note of what could happen to it. Then, your family should have portable pet crates, cat carriers or cages/aquariums that can be taken with you in the car. It is recommended that you get your pets used to these containers by taking them to your veterinarian for exams and on occasional trips. This practice will be useful because, when disaster strikes, oftentimes pets are so scared that you will have a hard time just finding Fido to put him in the carrier, let alone transporting him. Make a list of people, including your relatives, neighbors, or friends, who would be willing to care for your pets while you’re at a shelter. Make a second list of county animal shelters, mass care shelters, e.g., a school or community center, and pet-friendly motel chains such as Days Inn that will take pets. Make a Kit. Now we need to include along with our own supplies, additional water and food supplies for the pets, a litter box for Fluffy, Polly and Stuart Little, doo-doo bags for Fido; pet ID and flea collars, your pet’s medications and dosages and your veterinarian’s name, address, phone number and email address. The final step, “Be Informed” is the same for pets as it is for humans: Use the battery-powered radio to stay informed about evacuation orders, pet shelter info, evacuation routes, and the all-important FEMA 800 number to tele-register for disaster assistance. For further information about this subject, please visit the FEMA websites www.fema.gov and www.ready.gov , download a copy of Are You Ready, and a copy of the DHS Pet Preparedness brochure.
Guest Column written by
Shep C. Willner
Shep.C.Willner@dhs.gov |
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Petfinder.com suggests that during a disaster, you should do the followings:
Food:
You should have one-to-two week supply of the dry or canned food your pet usually eats. (While stored, make sure to replace the food according to expiration dates.) Also include a spoon, food dish and, if you use canned foods, a can opener. Record your pet's eating habits (amount and times) as well as any allergies your pet may have and keep the record with the other paperwork in this kit. Store the food in a waterproof and protective bag or case.
Water:
You should have one-to-two week supply in gallon-sized plastic containers. (Make sure to replace stored water regularly to ensure freshness.) Include a collapsible or travel water bowl that is easy to store.
Cleaning Supplies:
To clean crates/litter boxes.
Cat Litter:
You should have a one-to-two week supply plus a small, plastic litter box and litter scoop. You can opt for disposable litter boxes that come pre-made with litter.
Paperwork
Photographs:
In case you need to distribute pictures if your pet gets lost.
Vaccine Records/Medical History:
Copies of important veterinary documents, such as vaccination records, medical history, medical conditions, records of important test results (Fel V/FIV).
Veterinary Information:
Write down the name, address and phone number of your vet and an alternate vet. Write out a release statement, authorizing medical treatments for your pet(s). Write down your pet insurance policy number if you have one.
Proof of Ownership/Animal Information:
Copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase, microchip, tattoo or other identification information.
List of Emergency Contacts
Medication:
List each pet separately and include dose and frequency for each medication. Keep a two-week reserve supply, with directions on how to administer. If possible, keep the medication in the original jar or bottle that it came in. Replace according to expiration dates. Don't forget to reserve doses of flea and tick and heartworm preventatives.
Spare or Extra Collars, Harnesses or Leashes
Bedding or Pet Blankets
Identification Tags:
If possible, have the ability to write your temporary location or contact information on the tags.
Brushes/Combs, Grooming Supplies
Toys
Animal Crates or Carriers:
Label with your contact information. Make sure the animal has room to move around, and it is safe for the pet (latches and bolts should be secure).
Pet First-Aid Kit:
For more information, check Petfinder.com First-Aid Kit Checklist.
By being prepared with a well thought out disaster plan for different types of disasters, you can potentially save your pet's life in case of emergency.
Some general tips for planning:
. Make sure your pet wears at least two forms of current identification. You may want to consider a microchip implant, combined with tags on a collar. Also, keep the information current if you have registered with any lost and found databases.
. Be sure to place permanent, waterproof "Pets Inside" stickers on your front and back doors or windows to alert emergency workers that pets are in your home. If possible, list the number and types of animals in your household. Should you be unable to go home to retrieve your pets during a disaster, this sticker could help rescue workers find your pets in your house. You can get the special Merial sticker from your vet.
. Keep a List of the Veterinarian in Your Area
. Start a buddy system with a neighbor. Ask him or her to check on your pet during a disaster if you are not home. Agree to do the same for him or her. Exchange information on veterinarians.
. Check to make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date. Keep an extra copy of your pet's health information in your pet disaster/emergency kit.
. Assemble a Disaster Kit. Refer to the above.
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| Being prepared can keep your beloved pets safe during a disaster. |
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