The Coronavirus! And other Natural Disasters or Epidemics

The Coronavirus! And other Natural Disasters or Epidemics

              With all the hype and hysteria recently with regards to the Coronavirus, we though it might be a good idea to touch base on things to be aware of or prepare for in the case of National Epidemics or Disasters. For those of us in the Southeast, hurricane season is rapidly approaching, so it’s time to get a plan together, think ahead so you are not left in a bad position in the time of an emergency.

So first thing, lets get right to it and discuss the coronavirus. As of right now, there are no known cases of humans transmitting the virus to our pets, yes, a dog was found as a weak positive in China recently, however that test had not determined whether the dog tested positive for it merely for being in the vicinity of the affected owner or if he was really infected. So until the facts come in more, we will leave it at that.

              What you do need to concern yourself with, is making sure that you have supplies stocked up, so that in case of a quarantine, illness, or lets face it, just having things sold out at the stores for the next few weeks until the hysteria dies down and you can get your needed supplies again (not a bad idea to do for yourself).

              First and foremost. Food. Your pets need to be fed. You need to have a plan in place for someone to care for your animal in case of illness, or you need to make sure to have enough food stocked up so that if you are unable to get to the store for a few weeks, your babies don’t starve. Greens and veggies will keep for short amounts of time in the fridge, however it may be a good idea to stock up on dry foods that can be made in case those run out. Repashy is an excellent option for this. They have made excellent formulas for not only carnivores, but omnivores and herbivores as well. It will keep for a long period of time, and if you can boil water, you can make up a batch of food for your baby.

              Check your insect stock! Go ahead and buy some bulk worms, or crickets. They are easy enough to care for, and will last a while as long as cared for properly.

              Double check your medicine, first aid kits, and supplements. Be sure to have some stock set aside, the last thing you want to worry about is being sick and running out of calcium powder, multivitamin, or having your baby come down with something and not having treatments available to you. Check your bulbs, be sure to have a few extra just in case.

HURRICANES OR OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS

              I cannot stress to you enough the worry that comes when you’re staring at a Category 5 hurricane coming directly towards you and trying to figure out how to keep your family safe. You board your house, you stock up on food and you prepare to evacuate if necessary. But what about the animals? Best to get an emergency kit prepared ahead of time to make things super seamless in times of an emergency. This does not only apply to Hurricanes…Fires, damage from earthquakes, etc, this all applies.

              You need a travel container. If you need to evacuate, you want to take your reptiles with you. So you need somewhere to put them. Depending on size, there are plenty of Sterlite containers that will work for you, be sure to add ventilation and make it size appropriate for your reptile. Remember this is for traveling, so you really don’t need a mansion sized container. This is to get from point A to point B safely and quickly.

              Temporary Housing is a must. If you evacuate, you need to have a temporary home to  place your animal in as you cannot be sure how long until you can safely get back to an area. Sterlite containers again work wonders as a temporary home. These can be larger. You can clamp a Mercury Vapor Bulb securely to them for light and UVB in one and your baby is all set up in their temporary home.

              Repashy foods are absolutely the way to go for emergency situations where you cannot get to fresh fruits/veggies/greens. As long as you can boil water, you can make up some food for your baby.

              Don’t forget the water. Not only will you need it for yourselves, but your reptilian babies will need fresh water as well.

              Supplements and first aid kits will be crucial as well. Make sure those are stocked with unexpired items and you are good to go!

LASTLY…..STOP WORRYING!

              Ok, so now you are stocked up. You’ve got your reserves, you have a plan. You’ve informed your friends and family what is to be done with regard to your pets in the case of an emergency. Now relax! There is nothing more freeing than knowing you’ve got everything handled. Take your vitamins, get your rest, get a massage. You are good to go and knowing your pets will be taken care of in the case of an emergency should help take some of the stress off of these extremely trying situations.