Oklahoma pet owners can be prepared for flooding
Emergency workers are evacuating parts of Canadian County this morning because of dangerous flooding. No doubt many of the homeowners are pet owners, too. When disaster strikes, being prepared is key.
The ASPCA offers these tips if you have to evacuate your home:
- - Make sure your pets have identification and collars, even if you have to improvise. ID tags should have the animal’s name, your phone number and any pertinent medical info.
- - Keep your animals indoors (or in the car with you) as much as possible. Disaster situations are scary for animals and people, and you want to reduce the chance your pet will take off.
- - Stay at a pet-friendly place. Don’t leave your animals in the car if they can’t stay in a shelter or hotel. (TripsWithPets.com offers a list of pet-friendly hotels in Oklahoma.)
- - Bird owners: make sure your bird’s leg has an ID band and have photos of your bird available. Cover your bird’s cage to reduce stress. Use a timed feeder in case you have to leave your pet unattended.
- - Reptile owners: traveling temporarily with your snake in a pillowcase is OK, but try to find a more secure situation as soon as possible. Keep track of your reptile’s body temperature.
- - Small animal owners: like birds, try to keep your animals as calm as possible by finding a secure, quiet location.
If you can prepare ahead of time, do so. Disasters like the Canadian County flooding remind all of us to be ready. The Humane Society of the United States offers this list of necessary items to have on hand in case of emergency:
- - Food and water for at least five days and a manual can opener if necessary.
- - Medicine, medical records and the name and number of your vet.
- - Cat litter and litter box.
- - A sturdy leash, harness or carrier.
- - Current photos of your pet.
- - Pet beds and toys.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Tough times for Oklahoma City pets
High temperatures have lead the deaths of at least four dogs, according to Oklahoma City Animal Welfare. Read the story here.
Listen to one of our podcasts about heat and heat stroke. Our show vet, Dr. Zac Coldiron of Stoneridge Animal Hospital in Edmond, gives great advice about prevention and detection.
Furry friends – just like people – don’t handle extreme heat very well. Even good pet owners could find their animals in danger if we’re not careful. Read on our blog about how to keep your animals safe here and here. You can also read hot weather care tips from the ASPCA here.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
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Animals in need a world away
South Africa is crawling its way out of an uncharacteristic series of race riots. A worldwide food shortage coupled with a flood of immigrants escaping impending disaster in Zimbabwe caused tensions uncommon of a country characterized by peace for more than a decade.
One of the unexpected victims of the riots: animals.
I spent a month in South Africa last year meeting my future in-laws. It’s a beautiful country working to overcome a complicated past. Of course there was so much to learn and observe. South Africans are loving people who are quick to forgive, and that gentleness is evident in their treatment of animals. They’re a part of nearly everyone’s life, and lots of folks have multiple pets. Even the poorest of the poor set aside enough resources to have pets. That’s why I know so many people’s hearts are breaking about the loss of their animals. Some pet owners had to flee their homes; others lost their animals in the melee. But that gentle spirit is already shining through. Rescuers are helping reunite families with their pets. Here’s hoping calm returns quickly to the country and to the families living there.
- Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
These photos are ones I took on my trip last year. From the top: a friend with his dog in George, a litter of Daschund puppies in Cape Town, a dog showing off at a flea market in Johannesburg, a boy and his family dog in Coffee Bay, a family dog roaming in Coffee Bay, and children gathering firewood with their dog in Coffee Bay.
Be prepared this tornado season
The devastating tornadoes in Picher remind us that disaster can strike any time. The photo here by Oklahoman photographer Jim Beckel is of Boudreaux, a basset hound who’s peering out of his owner’s pickup. His owner lost his entire home in the tornado.
Even though we can’t control nature, we can control something: our preparedness. The ASPCA Web site has an entire section devoted to disaster preparedness. They have six key steps to making sure you and your animals survive whatever nature throws at you:
- Put an animal alert sticker on your home.
- Arrange a safe haven where you can stay.
- Create an emergency and travel kit.
- Choose designated caregivers.
- Make an evacuation plan.
- Prepare for what might happen where you live.
- Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
