Post by Kim on Jul 9, 2010 19:17:26 GMT -5
Preparing Your Ferrets for Emergencies. Plan. Prepare.
By Jessica Schroeder
Nine in ten pet owners surveyed say they consider their pet a member of the family. (Humane Society)
Most understand the nature of life in general as problems arise and usually we deal with them fine. Like when your ferrets get sick, but with lots of TLC and nursing back to health they come around again. What happens when the things we can't control take place? The things we always figure will not happen to us. So we don't plan for them. The best way to protect your family is to have a plan. Having plans saves lives. When being a pet owner this plan must include your ferrets. Natural disasters have different plans to follow, along with other emergencies and safety plans. Some of those include evacuating your home. The plan should include things you will need to keep your pet safe, warm, fed, healthy and as calm as possible. Each Emergency requires different types of planning, like in the event of fires, tornadoes, evacuations, travel safety, and medical emergencies. Putting enough time and effort into a plan can help avoid pain and suffering, and more so create a safe haven for your ferret and you.
Fire Emergencies
Firemen will not know to look in drawers, closets, etc. Any loose ferrets most likely will not be found amidst smoke and fire during a rescue. Everyone in the family can be safe whether you're a ferret or the ferret's family in case there's a fire in your home. Make sure to include in your routine fire drills the ferrets as they can die from smoke inhalation as quickly as people. (Contact your local Fire Department for more information on Fire Prevention and Drills.)
Tips:
• Use a Pet Alert sticker to help make firefighters aware of your pets. Also put a reflective sticker in the window closest to the cage and state on the Pet Alert sticker there is a marker in a window.
• If you are 2nd floor keep a carrier and rope near the cage and place the ferrets in the carrier and lower them out the window to the ground or carry them out with you.
• Give a key to a trusted neighbor and tell them where you keep your pets, so they can relay the information to firefighters.
• Consider keeping your pets on the ground floor near a window or door when you’re not home so they are easier to rescue.
• Know their hiding places to find them or tell the firefighters. They go where they feel safe.
Tornado/ Evacuation
Tornadoes in the U.S. Midwest are a fact of life. Most of us know how to keep ourselves safe during a tornado, but do you have a plan for your ferrets? A tornado can touch down quickly and widen or gain strength once on the ground, so time is critical in staying safe. Ferret owners should have an emergency plan for keeping their pet safe during a tornado or severe storm.
Tips:
• Put all ferrets in a carrier or keep a spare cage in the safe room when the tornado watch is issued. Animals sense bad weather and will look for a place to hide if they sense it is near.
• Choose the safest room in the house for surviving a tornado. A basement is best or the most interior room of the home, preferably a closet or bathroom.
• There are only seconds to act before a tornado strikes, so don't wait to put pets in carriers and get them in the safe room.
• Make an emergency kit for the pets in case it is in short supply or hard to get to after the storm. Should include the following:
• Leash and collar or harness with current ID tag/chip, current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
• Bedding (this can be as simple as an old towel or sheet)
• Food for minimum of three days in zip-lock bags, be sure to mark the expiration dates with permanent ink
• Medicines (mark expiration dates with permanent ink)
• Clean fresh water (keep track of expiration dates)
• Travel bowls (2)
• Copy of your pet's medical & vaccination records (keep in zip lock bag)
• Toys/ treats to help stay calmer.
• Make sure to check for and replace expired products on a regular basis
• Mark your carrier with you and your pet's information with permanent ink
• In fire area, have an extra towel that you can get wet and put over your crate to help with bad air or smoke
• Towels or paper towels for quick clean ups
• List of friends or family who are allowed to remove your pet or pick your pet up if you are unable to and supply to the facility with phone numbers and your signature.
• Family or friends you can go to stay, phone numbers, addresses and pet friendly hotels/boarding.
• If you are not home when evacuation warning is given, and there is no time to return home, call your neighbor "emergency partner" and ask if he or she can bring your ferrets and emergency supply kit to a halfway meeting place.
A loose ferret will typically die of starvation within 4 days. They have no instinctive knowledge of food. They will die within 24 hours of exposure as they can not tolerate freezing weather or heat of 90F.
The (Pet Evacuation & Transportation Standards Act of 2006) requires local and state emergency preparedness authorities to include in their evacuation plans how they will accommodate household pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster of evacuation. The American Red Cross says, "Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse." It is up to YOU to be prepared, and by planning ahead you ensure your pets' safety and health.
Traveling Safety
For some pet parents, a trip’s no fun if the four legged members of the family can’t come. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.
ASPCA recommends the following tips:
• Keep your ferret secured with a safety belt in a well-ventilated crate or carrier large enough it can sleep/drink and eat away from the potty area.
• Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. They can freeze or cook to death.
• What in your ferret’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, plastic bags, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.
• Make sure your ferret wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, phone numbers.
• Keep your ferret in the back seat in the crate.
• Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.
• Antifreeze is actually a year-round hazard. Warmer temperatures of summer, cars over heat and may leak antifreeze. (bright green liquid) It tastes sweet and is inviting to pets.
Poisons
Below are links provided with common hazards: (Always call the veterinarian if it was not their food or treats.)
www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=11+2065&aid=3109
www.smallanimalchannel.com/ferrets/ferret-health/poison-prevention.aspx
First Aid
Be sure to check with your veterinarian before administering any "over the counter" medications. Your veterinarian can tell you which medications are safe and the correct dosages to give. Don't put your ferret's life in jeopardy to save time or money. Temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit are uncomfortable for ferrets, temperatures above 85 can cause medical problems within hours, and temperatures above 90 can be fatal. Although ferrets can live through high temperatures, heat-related stress weakens their immune system and shortens their life. Heat stress and heatstroke the goal is to lower the ferret's body temperature steadily and slow, not suddenly. If you cool your ferret too quickly, his temperature can drop to a dangerously low level. Try offering water or Pedialyte in a syringe. Drip it in the side of the mouth or under the tongue, making sure the ferret laps and swallows. Never force liquids into an unconscious animal. Wipe the ferret with a cool (not cold) towel, or wrap the ferret in a cool, damp washcloth. Concentrate on the feet, legs, hindquarters, groin, and tail area. Freshen the towel with cool water every few minutes. Rubbing alcohol can be applied to the footpads, but no where else. Repeat until the rectal temperature reaches 103 degrees F. Normal rectal temperature is between 100-103ºF (average 101.9º). Try to get to the vet ASAP and do not stop the cooling process.
Symptoms:
Lethargic and lying flat on the floor, mouth open, nose and gums might turn a darker pink (or white, if she is going into shock), panting, salivating, limp, red footpads, Further symptoms are a large quantity of mucus coming from the nose and mouth; collapse; seizures; and finally, coma.
DO NOT WAIT UNTIL DISASTER STRIKES TO BE PREPARED. With careful planning and quick, resourceful action, you can lessen the long-term effects a disaster can have on your ferret, as well as saving them for many more years of companionship.
By Jessica Schroeder
Nine in ten pet owners surveyed say they consider their pet a member of the family. (Humane Society)
Most understand the nature of life in general as problems arise and usually we deal with them fine. Like when your ferrets get sick, but with lots of TLC and nursing back to health they come around again. What happens when the things we can't control take place? The things we always figure will not happen to us. So we don't plan for them. The best way to protect your family is to have a plan. Having plans saves lives. When being a pet owner this plan must include your ferrets. Natural disasters have different plans to follow, along with other emergencies and safety plans. Some of those include evacuating your home. The plan should include things you will need to keep your pet safe, warm, fed, healthy and as calm as possible. Each Emergency requires different types of planning, like in the event of fires, tornadoes, evacuations, travel safety, and medical emergencies. Putting enough time and effort into a plan can help avoid pain and suffering, and more so create a safe haven for your ferret and you.
Fire Emergencies
Firemen will not know to look in drawers, closets, etc. Any loose ferrets most likely will not be found amidst smoke and fire during a rescue. Everyone in the family can be safe whether you're a ferret or the ferret's family in case there's a fire in your home. Make sure to include in your routine fire drills the ferrets as they can die from smoke inhalation as quickly as people. (Contact your local Fire Department for more information on Fire Prevention and Drills.)
Tips:
• Use a Pet Alert sticker to help make firefighters aware of your pets. Also put a reflective sticker in the window closest to the cage and state on the Pet Alert sticker there is a marker in a window.
• If you are 2nd floor keep a carrier and rope near the cage and place the ferrets in the carrier and lower them out the window to the ground or carry them out with you.
• Give a key to a trusted neighbor and tell them where you keep your pets, so they can relay the information to firefighters.
• Consider keeping your pets on the ground floor near a window or door when you’re not home so they are easier to rescue.
• Know their hiding places to find them or tell the firefighters. They go where they feel safe.
Tornado/ Evacuation
Tornadoes in the U.S. Midwest are a fact of life. Most of us know how to keep ourselves safe during a tornado, but do you have a plan for your ferrets? A tornado can touch down quickly and widen or gain strength once on the ground, so time is critical in staying safe. Ferret owners should have an emergency plan for keeping their pet safe during a tornado or severe storm.
Tips:
• Put all ferrets in a carrier or keep a spare cage in the safe room when the tornado watch is issued. Animals sense bad weather and will look for a place to hide if they sense it is near.
• Choose the safest room in the house for surviving a tornado. A basement is best or the most interior room of the home, preferably a closet or bathroom.
• There are only seconds to act before a tornado strikes, so don't wait to put pets in carriers and get them in the safe room.
• Make an emergency kit for the pets in case it is in short supply or hard to get to after the storm. Should include the following:
• Leash and collar or harness with current ID tag/chip, current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
• Bedding (this can be as simple as an old towel or sheet)
• Food for minimum of three days in zip-lock bags, be sure to mark the expiration dates with permanent ink
• Medicines (mark expiration dates with permanent ink)
• Clean fresh water (keep track of expiration dates)
• Travel bowls (2)
• Copy of your pet's medical & vaccination records (keep in zip lock bag)
• Toys/ treats to help stay calmer.
• Make sure to check for and replace expired products on a regular basis
• Mark your carrier with you and your pet's information with permanent ink
• In fire area, have an extra towel that you can get wet and put over your crate to help with bad air or smoke
• Towels or paper towels for quick clean ups
• List of friends or family who are allowed to remove your pet or pick your pet up if you are unable to and supply to the facility with phone numbers and your signature.
• Family or friends you can go to stay, phone numbers, addresses and pet friendly hotels/boarding.
• If you are not home when evacuation warning is given, and there is no time to return home, call your neighbor "emergency partner" and ask if he or she can bring your ferrets and emergency supply kit to a halfway meeting place.
A loose ferret will typically die of starvation within 4 days. They have no instinctive knowledge of food. They will die within 24 hours of exposure as they can not tolerate freezing weather or heat of 90F.
The (Pet Evacuation & Transportation Standards Act of 2006) requires local and state emergency preparedness authorities to include in their evacuation plans how they will accommodate household pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster of evacuation. The American Red Cross says, "Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse." It is up to YOU to be prepared, and by planning ahead you ensure your pets' safety and health.
Traveling Safety
For some pet parents, a trip’s no fun if the four legged members of the family can’t come. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.
ASPCA recommends the following tips:
• Keep your ferret secured with a safety belt in a well-ventilated crate or carrier large enough it can sleep/drink and eat away from the potty area.
• Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. They can freeze or cook to death.
• What in your ferret’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, plastic bags, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.
• Make sure your ferret wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, phone numbers.
• Keep your ferret in the back seat in the crate.
• Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.
• Antifreeze is actually a year-round hazard. Warmer temperatures of summer, cars over heat and may leak antifreeze. (bright green liquid) It tastes sweet and is inviting to pets.
Poisons
Below are links provided with common hazards: (Always call the veterinarian if it was not their food or treats.)
www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=11+2065&aid=3109
www.smallanimalchannel.com/ferrets/ferret-health/poison-prevention.aspx
First Aid
Be sure to check with your veterinarian before administering any "over the counter" medications. Your veterinarian can tell you which medications are safe and the correct dosages to give. Don't put your ferret's life in jeopardy to save time or money. Temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit are uncomfortable for ferrets, temperatures above 85 can cause medical problems within hours, and temperatures above 90 can be fatal. Although ferrets can live through high temperatures, heat-related stress weakens their immune system and shortens their life. Heat stress and heatstroke the goal is to lower the ferret's body temperature steadily and slow, not suddenly. If you cool your ferret too quickly, his temperature can drop to a dangerously low level. Try offering water or Pedialyte in a syringe. Drip it in the side of the mouth or under the tongue, making sure the ferret laps and swallows. Never force liquids into an unconscious animal. Wipe the ferret with a cool (not cold) towel, or wrap the ferret in a cool, damp washcloth. Concentrate on the feet, legs, hindquarters, groin, and tail area. Freshen the towel with cool water every few minutes. Rubbing alcohol can be applied to the footpads, but no where else. Repeat until the rectal temperature reaches 103 degrees F. Normal rectal temperature is between 100-103ºF (average 101.9º). Try to get to the vet ASAP and do not stop the cooling process.
Symptoms:
Lethargic and lying flat on the floor, mouth open, nose and gums might turn a darker pink (or white, if she is going into shock), panting, salivating, limp, red footpads, Further symptoms are a large quantity of mucus coming from the nose and mouth; collapse; seizures; and finally, coma.
DO NOT WAIT UNTIL DISASTER STRIKES TO BE PREPARED. With careful planning and quick, resourceful action, you can lessen the long-term effects a disaster can have on your ferret, as well as saving them for many more years of companionship.