We know that our pets rely on us for everything – from food and water to affection and attention, medical and otherwise. So, our emergency preparedness means covering their needs too.

The CA state government preparedness guidelines suggest at least three days of food and water per person. The keywords being “at least,” we recommend if you’re just starting to build a kit, include at least three (3) days worth, which covers a basic seismic event in the mid-to-high M6s or low M7s, a bigger M7 event needs seven (7) days, and the “max” M8 event needs 2-3 weeks of non-perishable food and water, for you and your pet.

“That’s nuts,” you say? Not if you like being fully prepared for a nasty hit, when bridges and other arteries will be out of commission. Water mains rupture, but with broken roads it could be a while before they get fixed. Considering our region’s proximity to the San Andreas fault line AND the Hayward fault line, which some scientists say is due, preparation is important. This is not Virginia, folks – and even they get lucky sometimes.

Since pets are members of the family, it’s easy to count each just as you would a person. Water guidelines suggest one gallon per person per day. For ease, start with that same idea per pet and use good judgment. If your household has two or three cats – that one gallon per day should be sufficient. Remember: stress will impact them, and they may want to drink more than usual. And, you may want to share with a favorite neighbor or their pet.

Food is easier. Identify a non-perishable food option for each pet. Emergency preparedness kits can be stored out of the kitchen, so usually canned food is preferable to dry, because canned food attracts fewer mice or pests, and because canned food contains water. Dry food without sufficient water could make things worse. Keep a hand-crank can opener handy or use pop tops. Bland food choices are usually better when pets are under stress. The technical term for bland food is an “Enteric diet” which we stock in three brands: Hill’s Prescription Diet® i/d®, Purina Veterinary Diets® EN and Iams® Veterinary Formula™ Intestinal Low-Residue™. But if you ask for an Enteric Diet, you’ll get bland, and after stress bland is grand.

Rotate pet food annually, perhaps when one cleans out the pantry for the holiday food drive. Again, 3-days worth is expected to cover a basic event in the mid-to-high M6s or low M7s, 7-days worth for the middle M7s, and 2-3 weeks worth (what you might need for a M8) is the biggest prep you ever need to worry about.

You don’t have to do it all at once. Start out with basics first. In this case, start with 3-days (basic), and, when you can, go to 7-days (bigger), etc. The point is to get started! Add the food and water task to this weekend’s grocery list and you’ll have it done! Tune in next week, when we’ll tell you little more about water storage.

Over the last several weeks, earthquakes have remained very much in the news. Our neighbor, Mexico, had a quake. Then there was the day with the four large earthquakes around the ring of fire (an old school term, before the relationship between volcanoes and tectonic plates was understood). One of the earthquakes set a record as the most powerful strike-slip quake in recorded history, coming in at a M8.6. Then, of course the M6.8 off of Baja California in the Gulf of California. 

If you tend to reward your dog with chicken jerky treats, a little common sense may be in order. Moderation, as in all things, right?

The FDA actually came out with an official warning and reminds us that Chicken jerky products should not be substituted for a balanced diet and are intended to be fed occasionally in small quantities.  Apparently this isn’t just another, well

Dog agility has rapidly become the most popular of dog sports, with thousands of trials put on each year around the U.S. In 2010, AKC recorded a record 947,137 entries at agility trials around the country. Each year AKC picks about a dozen of the top dogs in the country to compete at the world championships.  This year the championships were held in Lievin, France. 

Mid-Peninsula Animal Hospital would like to introduce two rescued Papillons we are fostering through Paphaven rescue.

 

 

 

Meet Nelly, a young (2-3 year old) spayed female. Nelly came with hardly a hair on her body due to severe internal and external parasites. We treated the condition successfully. Her new coat is coming in and you can really see what a beauty she is going to be. Nelly is a happy-go-lucky girl and quite often lets loose with a melodic chortle! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pansy is, most likely, Nelly’s daughter. We are guessing her age at somewhere around a year, and she too has been spayed. Pansy is a beautiful tri-color and she is quite the character. Her nickname could be Happy Feet because she sure loves to dance!

 

 

 

 

A little bit about the Papillon breed, although small in stature they are quite the athletes. Very quick on their feet they are becoming popular in dog sports such as agility. Papillons are often included in the top 5 most intelligent dog breeds. So if you are looking for a small companion who is game enough for a nice hike or game of ball then the Papillon is for you.  

 

They love visitors. Even if you’re not interested in adopting, if you would like to meet and play with them, they would love to meet you! So, come by and say Hi!

What do we look like, fabulous interior designers?  Turns out we have one in our midst. By day she’s our Hospital Administrator. But under the cloak of night, and of course the company picnic, she’s taken this building from ‘mid-century modern’ (last century) into the new millinneum. 

We wanted to update the lobby to achieve a more contemporary look and a serene feeling