Here are some tips on preparing for disasters:

Make a list of safe places to stay in advance:

• Make a list of pet-friendly hotels and motels outside of your immediate area
• Check with your families and friends outside of your immediate area to see if they can accommodate you and/or your pets if a disaster strikes
• Make a list of human societies and animal shelters near you

Prepare emergency supply kits for EACH of your pet:

• Food (dry and/or can), food bowl, and manual can opener
• Water and water bowl
• Medications, if any
• Medical records, vaccination certificates
• Well-ventilated, secure crate or carrier
• Extra set of leash, collar, and ID tag
• Photos and descriptions of your pet, in case of accidental separation during the evacuation
• Name and phone number of your veterinarian
• Cleaning supplies such as paper towels, rags, trash bags, pet-safe disinfectant
• Blanket and toy
• First aid kit

A proper identification is very important at all times!

• Be sure that your dog is wearing up-to-date identification at all times
• Include the alternate phone number (other than your home telephone number) on the identification tag
• Collars can be lost- consider micro-chipping your pets

Notification:

• Place a decal on your front window or door to let the authorities know that there are animals inside in case when you are not home at the time of the disaster

• Alcoholic Beverages
• Avocados
• Bitter almonds
• Broccoli (in large amounts)
• Caffeine – i.e. Coffee beans & grounds, tea, etc.
• Chocolate
• Cigarettes, tobacco, cigars
• Fatty Foods
• Grapes and raisins (including all associated products, such as juice or wine)
• Hops (use in home beer brewing)
• Macadamia nuts
• Moldy or spoiled foods
• Onions or onion powder
• Pits and seeds from fruits (apple, apricot, peach, plum, and some varieties of cherry)
• Potato peelings and green parts of potatoes (green peelings, sprouts and foliage)
• Processed Sugar (can cause diabetes)
• Rhubarb leaves
• Salt
• Tomato leaves & stems (green parts)
• Yeast Dough

How much chocolate is too much for dogs?
The amount of theobromine in chocolate depends on the kind of chocolate and the serving size. Baking chocolate contains far more thebromine than milk chocolate. On average, baking chocolate contains 390mg thebromine per ounce and milk chocolate contains 44mg thebromine per ounce.

To determine “how much is too much?” can be difficult since many factors such as the dog’s health, age and size are involved. However, it is estimated that toxic reactions can occur with the theobromine ingestion of 45mg per pound of a dog’s body weight.

What are the signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs?
Common signs of chocolate poisoning include (but not limited to) vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, restlessness, excessive panting, muscle twitching, and increased heart rate. Seizures, coma and even death can occur with chocolate poisoning.

If you suspect your dog has ingested chocolate, seek veterinary attention IMMEDIATELY!

Keep Antifreeze Away from Your Dog!

Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is extremely toxic to pets. Even a few licks can be fatal and unfortunately, many pets become victims of this sweet tasting fluid. With proper knowledge of handling antifreeze, chances of accidental ingestion of antifreeze can easily be reduced.

As we all know, the main source of antifreeze is from vehicles. A pet may gain an access to antifreeze that is not properly stored or spilled/leaked on the garage floor or driveway. Pets that are allowed to roam freely are particularly at risk, because of their unlimited access in the neighborhoods. Pets that are confined in the garage are also at risk, if the antifreeze is inadequately stored or if there is a spill on the garage floor.

If you or anybody in your household replaces antifreeze at home, make sure to not leave the scene unattended during the process. Always collect all of the waste antifreeze fluid and properly dispose it immediately. If you spill, use rags to clean the area until it is dry. Place the rags in a bag or a sealed container, then rinse the area with plenty of water. Antifreeze can leak from your car also. Proper maintenance of your car is a must to prevent this situation.

Another way to reduce potential poisoning from antifreeze is to use propylene glycol based antifreeze. Propylene glycol based antifreeze is less toxic than ethylene glycol based antifreeze. Keep this in your mind – it is less toxic, but not entirely, therefore propylene based antifreeze must be properly stored and disposed as well.

Another source of antifreeze can be inside your home. If you have the decorative snow globes, be aware. The liquid inside contain 2% antifreeze. Do not display it within the reach of your pet, so that your pet will not accidentally break it and lick the spilled liquid.

Since ethylene glycol is an alcohol, initial signs of antifreeze poisoning resemble classical signs of alcohol intoxication such as staggering, stumbling, disorientation, vomiting, frequency in urination, etc. The initial signs can occur within 30 minutes to several hours after ingestion of antifreeze. Then the pet may seem to get better, but within 12 hours 36 hours of ingestion, the liver processes the ethylene glycol into more toxic substances which will cause the kidneys to fail and eventually lead to death. Symptoms of kidney failure are severe depression, vomiting and diarrhea.

Because the signs of antifreeze poisoning resemble other illnesses, ruling out the antifreeze poisoning can be difficult if the owner is unaware of the pet being exposed to antifreeze. Fortunately, there is a test available to support a diagnosis of antifreeze poisoning by a veterinarian. If you suspect your dog is poisoned by antifreeze, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately!

Plants: Many plants are harmful to your dog if ingested. Keep toxic plants away from your dog, inside and out!

Human Food: Do not leave food unattended. Many foods we eat, such as chocolate and onions, are toxic to your dog.

Automotive products: Store all automotive products, such as antifreeze (ethylene glycol), motor oil and gasoline property. Antifreeze is extremely toxic and even a few licks can be fetal. If you spill, use rags to clean the area until it is dry. Place the rags in a bag or a sealed container, then rinse the area with plenty of water.

Baits and traps: Place all rodent/insects baits and traps in areas that are inaccessible to your dog.

Medications: Keep all medications away from your dog. Many medications used safely by humans, such as pain killers, cold medicines and vitamins, can be deadly to your dog. Also, do not administer human medications to your dog without consulting your veterinarian first.

Cleaning agents: Do not allow your dog in the area where cleaning agents are being used or stored.

Fertilizers & insecticides:When treating your garden or yard with fertilizers and insecticides, keep your dog away until the area dries completely. Always follow manufacturer’s directions.

Flea Products: Make sure all products you are using are safe for your dog. If unsure, contact the manufacturer or ask your veterinarian.

If you think that your dog may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian immediately!