Pets Are Family Too

It has been a couple of weeks since the expansive California Wildfires have been completely extinguished. Many people fled from their homes voluntarily or either under an evacuation order for their safety and to allow firefighters to safely protect property. Even though the smoke has cleared from the fires, smoke filled the Southern California skies beyond the areas that were burning.

The smoke filled skies caused air quality warnings and alerts throughout. People were asked to stay indoors, and keep their pets inside if possible and restrict strenuous exercise. Yet, there were still pets in Southern California who did not go inside and they should be checked to see if they suffered any smoke related illnesses. Pets that lived in the burn areas should also be checked for any signs of smoke and fire hazards.

Just as a caution, if your dog was in the fire areas or in the vicinity of the smoke, which was a large area, look for these symptoms that may indicate a smoke related effect. Read the rest of this entry »

The California wildfires are so widespread that evacuation information for people and pets are spread out like the fires themselves. In Lake Arrowhead, Ca. a mountain community East of Los Angeles, in San Bernardino County have been hit hard by the wildfires. The people who live in Lake Arrowhead and surrounding areas are practically blocked from re-entering the mountain at this time.

For the pets that may be away from home and need sanctuary from the smoke and fires may need to be housed at shelters or emergency rescue centers. Below are a list of shelters and animal sanctuaries providing pet evacuation care in the San Bernardino County area fires:

Animal Evacuations – The National Orange Show fairgrounds in the City of San Bernardino and the Victorville Fairgrounds. Due to the Cajon Pass closure, an alternate livestock shelter has been established at the Glen Helen Rodeo Grounds – 2555 Glen Helen Parkway, Devore.
Human Evacuations
Orange Show Fairgrounds – 689 South E Street, San Bernardino
Victorville Fairgrounds – 14800 7th St., Victorville
Animal Evacuations (dogs & cats)
Devore Animal Shelter – 19777 Shelter Way, Devore
San Bernardino Valley Humane Society – 374 W. Orange Show Road, San Bernardino
Large Animal/Livestock Evacuations
Victorville Fairgrounds – 14800 7th St., Victorville
Glen Helen Rodeo Grounds – 2555 Glen Helen Parkway, Devore

Of course in the times of disaster, information is rapidly changing, so we will try to keep up with the pet evacuation information of the California wildfires, so at least families can stay together in these trying times

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The California wildfires are burning out of control and all that comes to mind is what to do with the pet family members in the time of disaster. Although the animals in the wild are also affected, it is hoped that their natural survival instincts can save some of them that cannot be rescued by humans.

In Malibu, Ca., the fires are becoming a bit more under control, but during the fire fighting and abatements, pets may need to be taken to a sanctuary from all of the smoke and debris.

Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control (818)991-0071, are referring dogs, cats, birds and other pets to:

The Agoura Shelter – located at 29525 Agoura, Agoura Hills, Ca. 91301 (818) 991-0071

Horses to: Pierce College, a Los Angeles County large animal emergency evacuation center.

Pierce College – 6201 Winnetka Avenue in Woodland Hills, Ca; to enter the campus take 101 and exit off De Soto Avenue just south of Victory Blvd. Turn east onto El Rancho Road.

HOTLINE: A temporary emergency Command Center phone number has been set up for the public to get evacuation information for large animals: (818) 991-6384.

Pierce College can house more than 200 large animals, and additional evacuation centers are being set up by the County, so the public should call the Command Center hotline for directions.
Over 150 horses have been sheltered and fed under the direction of the L.A. County Volunteer Equine Response team at Pierce College.

Horses can be taken there for free and a veterinarian is on site. There are also trained volunteers from Pierce College’s equestrian program and others providing assistance at the facility, around the clock.

Below are Emergency Center Guidelines for Horses:
No stallions
Bring a water tub and medicines for your animal
Please bring feed if you can

Evacuees in Ventura County can call (805) 388-4341.

There will be more postings on where and how to evacuate your pets during these disasters.

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On Friday September 14, 2007, The AVMA, American Veterinary Medical Association, issued a statement that they have received complaints from pet owners and veterinarians, that multiple brands of jerky treats made in China have been causing their dogs to become ill. Symptoms reported include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy according to the AVMA, but so far there is no knowledge of deaths from eating the treats.

PetSmart as precautionary action have decided to remove the Smokehouse Brand Dog Treats from their store shelves. PetSmart has taken this action because of reports that some dogs have become ill after eating the treats. There have not been a formal recall of the Smokehouse brand, yet. Read the rest of this entry »

Are you preparing homemade cat food for your favorite feline? If so, you may need to provide a nutritious supplement to provide an additional amount of vitamins and minerals needed by cats to stay healthy. Below is a supplement powder recipe from “Homemade Cat Food Recipes To Pamper Your Cat” to add to your homemade cat food meals. Enjoy!

SUPPLEMENT POWDER:
2 cups of nutritional yeast or brewers yeast
1/4 cup of Kelp powder
1 cup of Lecithin powder
1000 mg of Vitamin C (or 1/4 teaspoon of Sodium ascorbate)

Get more information on homemade cat food recipes at Homemade Cat Food Recipes to Pamper Your Cat