After the Hurricane
1. Always use a leash on your dog after the storm even if your dog is well-trained. This is a safety issue of utmost importance. Things will look and smell different. Landmarks will be missing. This can cause your dog to become confused and disoriented.
2. When walking your leashed dog, watch out for downed power lines, standing water and debris from the storm. Do not allow your dog to pick up unknown objects or drink from standing water.
3. Drinking water is often contaminated after a storm. If it is not safe for you to drink, it is not safe for your dog.
4. Reptiles from the high water levels can also pose a threat to your dog. Keeping your dog on leash prevent them pursuing dangerous new prey.
5. Monitor your dog’s behavior after the storm. Dogs, just like people, can become aggressive and defensive after the stress of going through a hurricane.
6. Keep your dog cool and in the shade. Dogs do not sweat to cool their bodies when they are hot. When the air temperature is close to the body temperature their panting, to exchange warm air for cool, is not as efficient. Heat stroke signs are heavy panting and difficulty breathing. If this should occur cool your dog down immediately.

BocaDog Magazine April/May 2008 www.bocadogmagazine.com
Photo-after Wilma Cyndi's House clenz

During a Hurricane
1. Bring your pets inside early. Animals are sensitive to severe weather changes and they will try to run and hide when a storm approaches.
2. Keep your dog with you indoors. The strange noises of a storm can be frightening and having you within sight and nearby may be comforting to your dog and help them feel safe.
3. Place the flat buckle collar with identification on your dog if you have not already done so. Have your leash available, near you and your dog.
4. Use a separate crate for each animal. The anxiety of the storm can cause dogs that would normally get along to act out of character.
5. Feed your dog canned dog food so they will need less water to drink.
6. Do not give your dog tranquilizers during a storm. If an emergency situation should arise your dog will need all of their senses for survival.


article source BocaDog Magazine www.bocadogmagazine.com
photo: cyndi lenz Cyndi's Machi during Hurracane Wilma

Before a Hurricane
1. Plan and, if possible, book ahead where your dog will stay during a hurricane if you need to evacuate your home. Most special pet shelters and boarding facilities require pre-registration. Learn which hotels accept pets and their restrictions as to the size, type or number of pets accepted. The best alternative to shelters and hotels is a pre-arranged stay with friends and/or relatives living outside the evacuation zone.
2. Crate train your dog. Shelters, boarding facilities, hotels or a friend’s house, will most likely require a crate. Stress is reduced for you and your dog if he likes his crate and feels safe there before a disaster strikes. A crate should have ample room for standing up and turning around.
3. Make up a hurricane kit for your dog. The kit should contain a current photo of your dog for identification, should he become lost and/or need to be released from an animal shelter. Include veterinarian contact and medical information, important behavioral issues and a contact who will take care of your dog if you cannot be reached. Place the kit in plastic to prevent water damage and keep with other important family documents.
4. Make sure that your dog is current on vaccinations and keep proof in your dog’s hurricane kit. The proof of a rabies vaccination may save your pet’s life if he bites someone accidentally after the storm. Dogs may be euthanized for absolute assurance they are not carrying the rabies virus.
5. Get your dog a flat buckle collar and attach an identification tag that has your name, address and telephone number. Stainless steel tags will resist the wear and tear of inclement weather.
6. If your dog is micro-chipped make sure that the registration is current. If you have any doubt, call the chip registration service now and verify that they have the most recent information.
7. Gather hurricane supplies for your dog at the same time as supplies for your family. Stock at least three weeks supply of water, dog food, flea and tick and any special medications. Keep newspapers or a litter box for potty purposes. Include bleach, plastic gloves, trash bags, paper towels and cleaning supplies for any accidents or needed clean-up. Add bowls for food and water, a few toys and treats to the list.

article source BocaDog Magazine www.bocadogmagazine.com
photo: cyndi lenz Deerfield Beach as Katrina blew by

Before introducing cats, it is helpful to understand their natural behavior. Feral cats typically live in matrilinial, related colonies. Male cats may travel among a number of colonies. When an adult female cat enters the colony, they are typically driven away by the other cats. In other words, it is expected that a cat would show aggression when it first encounters another cat in it’s territory. It is important to look at animals who inhabit the same household as roommates and not family. Have you gotten along well with every roommate you have ever had? Following the guidelines below can help to make the addition of another cat into the household more enjoyable for everyone.
1. Increase the number of litter boxes to n+1 (n=number of cats) and place them in easily accessible areas which cannot be blocked by other cats.
2. Add a Feliway® diffuser.
3. Introduce cats slowly on either side of a barrier using food and play.
4. Increase the number of hiding and resting spaces in each room where the cats will typically be found.
5. Increase the number of feeding/watering stations to equal the number of cats and distribute them around the house.
6. Keep the cats separated until they are showing non-aggressive interest in each other. Then, let them out to interact with supervision.
7. Share scents by exposing each cat to the other’s scent.
Florida Veterinary Behavior Service
Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB www.flvetbehavior.com 561-795-9398

May 17
Dog Days of Summer 2008
Take your dog to the game and see the
Palm Beach Cardinals vs. Vero Beach
6:05 p.m.
(Game dates/times subject to change)
Roger Dean Stadium
4751 Main Street, Jupiter, FL
To benefit Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League
For the Peggy Pass call 561.775.1818 or visit
www.jupiterhammerheads.com
source BocaDogMagazine