Heartworms - Heartworm needs to be prevented rather then tested.  Dogs and Cats may not show signs of illness until the disease has already spread through the animal's heart and lungs.  Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss and a chronic cough.  Visible signs of heartworm may not appear for a full year after infection.  Heartworm can affect ANY dog, large or small, indoors or outside.  Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes.  One bite is all it takes.  They're never too young.  Heartworms are life-threatening parasites that can infect a cat or dog of any age. Talk to us on the details on how to keep your pet healthy !

Disaster Awareness - Protecting your pet in a Disaster.  Now is the time to create your Pet Disaster Survival Kit.  Add it to your families emergency survival kit if you have one, or take this time to create on of each.  Pack a duffel bag with these pet survival essentials.

 Food and Water:  Have at least 3 days of food and water for pets, along with bowls.

 Medical records, medications:  Get a current medical history for your pet and pack regular medications in a waterproof container.  Make certain your pet's immunizations are up to date

ID - Keep tags up to date along with vaccinations.  Include extra tags, a collar and leash.  Include a photograph of your pet and address.

Crate or carrier - If you need to evacuate, a crate or carrier may be safer and more comfortable for your pet   It can  also serve as  your dogs bed.  Take your pets bedding to make the crate more comfortable and include your pet's favorite toys.

Sanitary needs - If you use pet littler, include a bag and a litter box.  Add towels, spray disinfectant and a small bottle of bleach to purify water if necessary.  Plastic garbage bags are essential for cleaning up after your pet.

IF YOU MUST EVACUATE, TAKE YOUR PETS! 

If you are forced to evacuate your home, do not leave your pet behind.  If its not safe for you to remain at home during a disaster, it's not safe for your pet.  Animals left behind in a disaster are not likely to survive on their own.  Abandoned pets can easily be injured or lost or become a victim of exposure, starvation contaminated water or food.  Leaving your pet chained indoors or outside during a disaster leaving them for dead.

Don't take chances with your pets life.  During an emergency, don't leave them behind for even a moment.  Pets can become alarmed by bad weather and strange conditions and may run away and hide.

Your pet is counting on you for protection.  Leave as soon as you know about an emergency evacuation alert!  The longer you delay the greater risk to the safety of you and your family and your pet.  Its possible that if you wait until it's too late, you may be told by emergency officials to leave your pet behind.  If you wait too long, you and your family may also be stranded.

AFTER THE DISASTER....

Be patient with your pet after a traumatic experience.  Your pet's behavior may change after distress during a emergency.  Because you may not know how your pet will behave, keep them leashed, in a fenced yard or inside.  Be sure to have food, water and a comfortable "bed" available to give pets a sense of home.

Educate yourself on what types of emergencies are likely to affect your region as well as emergencies are likely to affect your region as well as emergency plans that have been established by your state and local governments.  Adapt new information into your PET EMERGENCY SURVIVAL KIT, because it's smart to be prepared for the unexpected