Did you know Sunday, May 12 is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day? This national day of awareness is marked on the second Sunday of every May. It’s a good way to remind yourself and others to have a plan of action ready should disaster ever strike. From fires and floods to tornadoes and hurricanes, each region of the United States is more prone to certain wraths of Mother Nature than others. Are you prepared? Do you have a plan should you and your pets need to escape? If you’re reading this and thinking, jeez, I have no idea what I would do, don’t worry! We’re here to help! Read on for tips on keeping you and your fur family safe during any catastrophic event.
Invest in Pet Safety Signs
If you’re like many other pet owners, you leave your furry friends home alone during the day or whenever you may be out of the house. Of course, pets are normally just fine for a few hours on their own. But what if something happens while you’re gone? If something unexpected sparks a fire or a flood, will your pets be okay? Let first responders know that there are pets inside with these handy pet safety signs. For a small investment, you can help to ensure that your fur family will be safe and sound if you’re not around to signal help for them.
Keep Extra Pet Supplies Handy
This can be an easy one to overlook. Many pet parents buy food and supplies for their pets as they need it– why spend extra money for something you don’t need right away? While that’s understandable, it’s never a bad thing to keep a few extra things handy. From extra bags or cans of food, to copies of your pets veterinary records, it’s always better to be safe than sorry in the event of an emergency! Experts recommend having enough water and dry pet food on hand to last up to 7 days. Here are some other things to keep at home:
- Toys
- Bedding
- Extra pet collars and leashes
- Garbage bags and disinfectants
Also, make sure your pet has an up-to-date ID tag or chip information! A scared pet may make a run for it during a fire, flood, or other natural disaster– don’t let them end up in a shelter without any way for folks to find and get in touch with you.
Be Mindful After Disaster Strikes
While we hope you never have to endure the hardships of a fire, flood, or worse, there are things to keep in mind after an event like these. You and your pet can survive even the worst of events, but what you may not realize is that your pet can suffer from PTSD, just like us humans. Pets may also be confused if their normal environment has been altered (if you have to move, etc.), so be mindful of that. Try and get back into a normal routine with them so that they feel safe and secure.
Of course, the team here at Puff & Fluff hopes that you’ll never have to worry about anything other than treating your pets to a nice shampoodle and pawdicure! Stop by any one of our four locations today and treat your pet to a splendid spa day! We can’t wait to meet you!
Five Things You Never Knew About Chihuahuas
Did you know May 14th is International Chihuahua Appreciation Day? Did you also know that Liz Illg, owner of Puff & Fluff, is a mom to not one, not two, but three adorable chihuahuas? And that’s in addition to her two other lovely fur babies! Today, we want to share with you five fun facts that you may not have known about the smallest dog breed. Read on and share these fun findings with your friends!
- They love both humans and cats!
If you’re a cat and dog person, you may be looking for a canine breed that gets along well with felines. Look no further than the teeny, tiny, adorable chihuahua! Not only are chihuahuas very friendly in general, they tend to get along very well with cats as well. They also do well with other dogs, especially if they’re introduced at a young age and with children. Chihuahuas are the perfect addition to any family. - They’re the oldest North American dog breed!
According to researchers, an early ancestor of the chihuahua was the Techichi, whose origins are known to date as far back as ninth-century Mexico. Many believe that when European explorers came to America and bred their own dogs with Techichis, they began the process of creating the chihuahua as we know it today! - Chihuahuas also live the longest!
Of course, life expectancies vary for all breeds– but the chihuahua have a particularly long life span. Size certainly plays a part in this factor; for example, great danes live typically 8-10 years, while chihuahuas can live up to 20 years! The breed also doesn’t suffer from many health ailments as they age which can help owners save on medical bills along the way. - They’re much loved in Hollywood too!
From Marilyn Monroe’s chihuahua, Josepha, to the famous Taco Bell chihuahua, the public has seen many adorable chihuahuas rise to fame. Other celebrities who have, or had, chihuahuas include: Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Madonna, Reese Witherspoon, Ashton Kutcher, and more. - They’re a colorful bunch!
Did you know chihuahuas come in over 30 different varieties and colors? Nicknamed the “Arizona Dog”, chihuahuas can be as colorful as a beautiful southwestern sunset! All white chihuahuas are the breed’s rarest type.
Do you have a chihuahua? We’d love to see them! Follow us on Instagram, @PuffandFluffSpa, and tag us in your photos! Better yet, bring your tiny pooches into one of our four Puff and Fluff Spa locations!