Tips Archives - Luzerne County Animal Response Team

July 15th is National Pet Fire Safety Day

July 15, 2020

Learn how to keep your pets safe with these tips from the Luzerne County Animal Response Team

On National Pet Fire Safety Day, it’s important to remember to include your furry family members into your emergency plan should a fire ever occur and Fido needs to find a way out. Each year, more than 500,000 pets are affected by house fires, with 1,000 house fires started by pets themselves. It’s no fun to think about, but it’s necessary to take a few minutes and make sure you are doing all you can to ensure your pets get out safely.

PREPARING FOR A FIRE

To ensure your pets get as much help as they can even if you are not home, install smoke detectors connected to emergency response services so that even if your pet is home alone, should a fire occur, help can still be signaled and dispatched.

The number one step in preparing your pet and family for a fire is to talk with your family to determine an emergency plan that includes your pet. Make sure to practice this plan with the whole family as well so that everyone knows whose job it is to grab your pet and whose it is to grab your emergency supplies (food, medication, water, a photo of your pet, leashes, and carriers, and medical records). Assigning roles will reduce scrambling when efficiency is needed. To act quickly when searching for your pet, make sure you know where he or she likes to hide and how to get him or her out of that hiding spot quickly, making it easier for you to locate and retrieve your pet as quickly as possible.

PREVENTING A FIRE

Prevent your pet from starting fires

Extinguish open flames – Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.
Remove stove knobs – Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a stove or cooktop is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.
Invest in flameless candles – These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.
Beware of water bowls on wooden decks – Do not leave a glass water bowl for your pet outside on a wooden deck. The sun’s rays, when filtered through the glass and water, can actually heat up and ignite the wooden deck beneath it. Choose stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead.
Beware of loose wires – As your pets wander around the house, they may chew on loose wires, making areas with lamps and plugs possible fire hazards. Secure loose wires and ensure they are out of reach from your pets.

KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE

Keep Pets Near Entrances When Away From Home – Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
Secure Young Pets – Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.
Since Pets Left Alone Can’t Escape a Burning Home – Consider using monitored smoke detectors which are connected to a monitoring center so emergency responders can be contacted when you’re not home. These systems provide an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms.
Affix a Pet Alert Window Cling – Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to update the number of pets listed.

DURING A FIRE

As part of your emergency response plan, make sure to grab your pet’s leash or carrier as you grab your pet and escape the building. Outside your home will be chaotic, and your pet may try to escape to a safer area, so it is important to keep them nearby and secure. If it takes too long to locate or secure your pets, as much as you may not want to, leave, open the door, and call for them once you are outside and at a safe distance from the fire. If they do not come out, once responders get there, immediately inform them your pet is still inside so they can continue looking for your pet.

In case your pet escapes during the course of a fire, make sure that the contact information on their collar and microchip is up to date.

AFTER A FIRE

It is very important that after a fire you get your pet checked out by a veterinarian. Pets can take in smoke into their lungs and may need oxygen. Our team and most fire departments and ambulance crews will have a pet oxygen mask on the scene to give your pet oxygen, but they may suggest taking your pet immediately to the pet emergency hospital for proper care.

It is important to take your pet’s health seriously and get them checked out. Even if they look and seem fine, let your vet or the emergency hospital make the call on their health.

If you need assistance with pet supplies after a fire, please do not hesitate to contact the Luzerne County Animal Response Team for help.

What To Do When Your Pet Goes Missing During a Fire

First, Remain Calm

We understand losing a pet can be overwhelming. First, you need to understand a little about lost pet behavior before looking for your lost pet. Now both cats and dogs are going to be scared and run away from all the noise of the fire scene.

Lost Cat Behavior

Cats will generally find a spot with 1-5 house away to hide, so it is important to talk to your neighbors and get permission to search their property or if they won’t let you do it alone ask them to join you in the search. Lost cat behavior also changes depending on if they are an indoor-only cat, outdoor -access cat, or an outdoor cat. Indoor-door only cats will stay closer, while outdoor and outdoor-access cats will travel farther away because they are used to roaming around outside are more familiar with the outside the house environment.

Lost Dog Behavior

Many dogs, even dogs that normally are not fearful at home, become terrified when they become lost. While some dogs will ultimately calm down and then approach people, other dogs will continue to run from everyone, including their owners! One of the worst things that you can do is CALL a stray, loose, or panicked dog. That’s because if too many people have already tried to capture the dog, calling him becomes a “trigger” that can cause him to automatically take off in fear when anyone, including his owner, calls him.

Our first major tip is Don’t Call Your Dog! We know. It sound’s crazy-stupid to say “Don’t Call Your Dog!” after your dog has escaped and is running loose (or when you encounter a stray dog). You’re probably thinking, “But he always comes to me when I call him” or “So HOW will I get the dog to come to me if I see him but I can’t call him?” The answer is BY CALMING HIM and ATTRACTING HIM to come to you, and we will explain how to do that. But first, we need to explain that CALLING A DOG CAN CAUSE IT TO RUN FROM YOU. Your instinct, when the dog runs, is then to chase after the dog and this is the WORST thing that you can do! Thus, when you hear or see the words “DO NOT CHASE YOUR DOG if it is lost” this includes DO NOT CALL your dog (since calling a dog can create chasing).

If your dog is still in sight after running away, please do the following:

Slowly get low or lay flat on the ground
Avoid eye contact
Speak softly with a calm voice
Do not reach for your dog, if it comes close let your dog touch you first, for some that are very skittish we will let them touch us multiple times. If you reach, the dog may run away.

Give your dog time to recognize your voice or your smell.

For more tips on Lost Pet Help visit this link below for a complete resource on lest pets.

Lost Pet Help

Keep Pets Safe During Dangerous Cold Weather

December 14, 2016

Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team Press Release – Dec. 13, 2016

Keep Pets Safe During Dangerous Cold Snap

Harrisburg, PA – State officials are urging the public to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their pets during a dangerous cold snap across much of the state over the next few days.

“While it’s easy to think that dogs are immune to cold because of their fur, the fact is that more dogs perish in the winter than at any other time of the year,” said Joel Hersh, executive director of the Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team (PASART.) “Some are better able to handle the cold than others, but a taking a few simple precautions can ensure an enjoyable winter experience for both pets and their people.”

Beware of cold temperatures. Many pets can be safe in outside temperatures with proper shelter, but puppies, smaller dogs, older dogs and cats should not be left outdoors when the temperature falls below 40 degrees.

Provide a protective shelter. If your dog or cat stays outside much of the time in the winter, his shelter needs to be raised a couple of inches off the frozen ground or concrete. The inside needs to have a blanket, cedar shavings or straw which should be changed frequently to keep him warm and dry. Add a flap to the door, and face the shelter away from the weather. The size of the shelter should be large enough so your pet can sit and stand, but small enough so his body heat will be retained in the house. Use a plastic water bowl to ensure your pet’s tongue does not get stuck to cold metal, and change the water often to keep it from freezing.

Keep older, arthritic pets inside. These animals should not be left outside under any circumstances. Escort the older dog outside for toileting and use a leash if the yard has ice or snow. Older dogs can easily fall and seriously injure themselves.

Watch for signs of frostbite and injury. Dogs’ ears, paws and tails are especially susceptible to frostbite. If you suspect frostbite, contact your veterinarian. If your dog plays on ice or hard, frozen dirt, his paws are susceptible to cuts as his paws slide across these rough surfaces. Always wipe your dog’s feet after a walk in the snow to remove ice balls and salt deposits from the road. Salt irritates a dog’s paws and can be toxic if ingested. Use only pet-safe ice melt.

Keep an eye out for hypothermia. If you notice shivering, lethargy, low heart rate and unresponsiveness, bring your pet into a warm area, place a light blanket over him, and call your veterinarian.
Eliminate the possibility of poisoning. Unfortunately, dogs like the sweet taste of antifreeze, which can cause sickness or even death if ingested. Make certain that all antifreeze containers are well out of reach of dogs and thoroughly clean any spills immediately.

Keep your dog on a leash. Dogs rely heavily on a strong sense of smell to figure out where they are and can easily get lost during winter storms. Snow covering the ground will make their surroundings less familiar. Keeping your dog on a leash at all times – especially during winter storms – can help stop your dog from becoming lost. Also talk to your veterinarian about micro-chipping your dog, just in case.

Don’t leave your dog inside of a parked car. Most people know this rule for the summer. A parked car can quickly amplify the effects of extreme weather. During the winter it can act as an icebox and trap cold air inside.

The commonwealth’s ReadyPA campaign encourages citizens to take three basic steps before an emergency occurs to ensure the safety of all family members: Be Informed, Be Prepared, Be Involved. More detailed information, including downloadable emergency kit checklists and emergency plan templates, is available online at www.ReadyPA.org.

About CARTs: County Animal Response Teams (CARTs) were formed as an initiative of the PA State Animal Response Team (PASART), a private non-profit organization which receives the majority of its funding from the federal government through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). CARTs consists of volunteers from all walks of life – from experienced emergency responders, veterinary technicians, animal trainers and handlers to other men and women concerned with the welfare of animals. CARTs are based on the principals of the Incident Command System developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and involve a coordinated effort of government, corporate and animal organizations. For more information regarding Pennsylvania CARTS visit www.pasart.us.

Media contacts:

Joel Hersh, PASART: 717-919-7495 c-jhersh@pa.gov
Ruth A. Miller, PEMA: 717-651-2009; ruthmiller@pa.gov

If you would like to become a CART Volunteer head over to our Volunteer Page for more information.

Disaster Preparedness for Horses

June 27, 2015

Horses Require Extra Consideration In Disaster Planning:

Animal emergencies create danger for animals and their owners. Lack of preparation often leads to unnecessary tragedy, human injury, and economic loss. Pennsylvania is home to millions of agricultural and domestic animals. The Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team encourages all horse owners to evacuate with their animals to prevent endangering human and animal lives.

By remembering to include your horses as part of your family’s emergency evacuation plan, you can avoid those last minute decisions that could endanger the safety of your family and horses. A good disaster plan is vital to keeping yourself and your animal companions safe. But horses require extra consideration because of their size and specific transportation needs. Since you won’t have much time to think or act during an emergency, take time now to create an effective emergency plan.

Planning For A Disaster Involving Horses:

Permanently identify each horse by tattoo, microchip, brand, or photograph. In your records, include the horse’s age, sex, breed, and color. Keep this information with your important papers.

Keep halters ready for your horses. On each halter attach a luggage tag with the following information: the horse’s name, your name, email address, your telephone number, and another emergency telephone number where someone can be reached. At the time of evacuation, consider additional temporary identification such as a leg band.

Place your horses’ Coggins tests, veterinary papers, identification photographs, and vital information—such as medical history, allergies, and emergency telephone numbers (veterinarian, family members, etc.)—in a watertight envelope. Store the envelope with your other important papers in a safe place that will be easy for you to access, so you can take them with you when you and your horses evacuate.

Make arrangements in advance to have your horse trailered in case of an emergency. If you don’t have your own trailer or don’t have enough room in your trailer for horses, be sure you have several people on standby to help evacuate your horses.

Horse Evacuation:

It is important that your horses are comfortable being loaded onto a trailer. If your horses are unaccustomed to being loaded onto a trailer, practice the procedure so they become used to it.

Know where you can take your horses in an emergency evacuation. When possible, make arrangements with a friend or another horse owner to stable your horses well beyond the region at risk. Contact your local animal care and control agency, agricultural extension agent, or local emergency management authorities for information about shelters in your area.

If You Cannot Evacuate With Your Horse:

Have a back-up plan in case it’s impossible to take your horse with your when you evacuate. Consider different types of disasters and whether your horses would be better off in a barn or loose in a field. Your local humane organization, agricultural extension agent, or local emergency management agency may be able to provide you with information about your community’s disaster response plans.

Share your evacuation plans with friends and neighbors. Post detailed instructions in several places—including the barn office or tack room, the horse trailer, and barn entrances—to ensure emergency workers can see them in case you are not able to evacuate your horses yourself.

When Disaster Strikes:

Don’t leave your horse behind. A situation that isn’t safe for you won’t be safe for your equine companion, either.

Evacuate immediately. If you wait until the last minute to evacuate, emergency management officials may tell you that you must leave your horses behind. In this case, your horses could be unattended for days without care, food, or water.

Supplies For Horses:

The following items are recommended for inclusion in a disaster kit specifically for horses. Make one kit for each horse in your care.

Food and Water:

One-week supply of the food or special feed your horse is used to eating. Store in an airtight, waterproof container and rotate every three months to ensure freshness
One-week supply of water, stored in a cool, dark location. 50-gallon barrels are good for storing water
If tap water is not suitable for humans to drink during a disaster, it is also not suitable for cats to drink
Feeding and water buckets

Cleaning and Sanitation:

One-week supply of dry shavings to be spread out in the horse’s stall
Pitch fork, wheelbarrow and/or muck bucket
Maintaining a clean environment for horses during a disaster minimizes the threat of disease

Horse Identification:

Permanent identification like microchipping, tattoos or freeze branding
Temporary, easily-visible identification, such as:
- Using a livestock crayon and write your name, phone number and address on the horse
- Using clippers to shave your name, address and phone number in the horse’s coat
- Braiding into the horse’s mane an ID tag with your name, address and phone number

Temporary identification tag that you can write your temporary location on in case your horse is separated from you
Current pictures of you with your horse to prove ownership if you are separated
Copy of the Bill of Sale or other documentation that can prove ownership

Horse Health and Safety:

A two-week supply of any long-term medication your horse is taking
Medical records, including vaccination records. Keep your horse up-to-date on vaccinations, especially tetanus, as disasters increase the risk of getting cut
A copy of your horse’s current Coggins certificate
First aid kit containing cotton and cotton rolls, disposable surgical gloves, vet wraps, duct tape, telfa pads, Betadine, instant cold packs, easy boot, diapers, Furazone, scissors, Blue Lotion and tweezers. Ask your veterinarian what else to include.

Housing and Transportation of Horses:

A horse trailer and a truck that can safely pull it, in case you have to evacuate. Conduct periodic safety checks of the the floor of the trailer, the trailer hitch, tires and lights.
Rope to tie out your horse in case you don’t have access to a stable. (train your horse to tether before disaster strikes)
Halter and lead rope, preferably not made of nylon, which can melt in the event of a fire.
Pre-identified locations where you can evacuate your horses, such as equine centers, boarding stables, racetracks, and fairgrounds.

Because horses are so large, significant advanced planning is required to evacuate and shelter them temporarily in case of disaster. If you don’t have a trailer or enough trailer space for the number of horses you have, work out ahead of time other arrangements for transporting your horse(s). Identify friends or relatives who could help, or transportation services available for hire.

It takes time to move larger animals. If disaster is imminent, allow plenty of time to get them to safety. Do not wait until the last minute. If you have a horse who is not accustomed to being in a trailer, practice loading and unloading with the horse as part of your regular routine.

Set up a “buddy system” with a fellow horse owner so you can evacuate each other’s animals if one of you is out of town when disaster strikes.

Lessons From Past Disasters Involving Horses:

Collapsed Barns – Owners thought their animals were safe inside their barn.
Kidney Failure – Due to dehydration, wandering animals were deprived of water for days.
Electrocution – Horses sought the lowest areas, in many cases this was a drainage ditch. The power lines that were blown down during the storm were strung over drainage ditches.
Fencing Failure – Wandering animals, although unharmed during the storm, were hit and killed on the roadways.

Sinkholes:

One of the very common calls we receive is a horse has fallen into a sinkhole that developed after a big rain fall. We recommend to inspect your grounds for sinkholes after any type of substantial amount of rain fall. Doing this periodically must just save your horses life.

Information Credit:

The information above about Disaster Preparedness for Horses is a combination of information provided by the organizations listed below.

Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team – Information for Horse Owners
Red Rover Horse Tips
The Humane Society of the United States – Disaster Preparedness for Horses
HorseFund.org

For more information about the Luzerne County Animal Response Team visit our About page.

You can also follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/luzernecountyanimalresponseteam