Amanda and Starla Jean
COARSEGOLD — To help celebrate National Dog Day — Aug. 26 — Amanda Steen, co-owner of Graydon Kennels, shared some important tips she learned from her father Michael Steen to help keep your pets safe and secure.
“The time to plan is not during a panic situation,” Amanda says.
Vaccinations
Typical vaccination requirements that professionals will need include:
Dogs — Rabies, distemper/parvo combo, bordetella, and canine influenza.
Cats — Rabies, feline distemper.
Amanda’s father always followed the “7-Day Rule” — all pets must have all vaccinations (including boosters) completed at least seven days prior to kennel boarding.
Why is this?
A vaccine doesn’t take immediate effect once it’s been administered, Amanda says. “The body needs time to recognize the medication and have a response.”
Some other important tips
“An ice chest is a great way to keep a cool water supply, crushed ice for dogs to snack on and most importantly, to keep some medications which require refrigeration cold,” says Amanda.
Emergency pet supplies
It’s also a good idea to keep a separate folder with each pet’s history — including current records — in a safe location.
Amanda recommends pet owners use a flight tag with all crucial information about their pet, along with any medical conditions. Another good idea: attach vaccination records to the carrier with a water-proof cover to protect the paperwork.
The crate works as a “safe spot” for your pet and helps them feel secure and comfortable. “Think about adding a toy with peanut butter or dental chews to help keep them occupied,” Amanda adds.
“If you need to house large animals in the event of an evacuation, contact the Tweed family at Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds,” Amanda says. “For horses, use livestock marker paint to write your telephone number on their hooves.”
Amanda’s father Michael Steen
“It is important to come up with a plan before the evacuation,” Amanda says. “Or as my dad used to say: check, check, and double-check. Do this before an evacuation is ordered. Some items will need to be replaced, added, or freshened up, such as pet food and water storage.”
Although Alison and Amanda’s father passed away in 2018, he would still want to help the community prepare for an evacuation.
