Wildfires can be just as harmful to pets as to people, but with the proper preparation, you can keep your animals calm and safe. From poor air quality to evacuations, knowing how to care for your pet is essential.
During a wildfire, one of the most important aspects of keeping your pet safe is checking for smoke inhalation. If your pet breathes in smoke or fumes, it can damage their respiratory tract. Because they can't speak, it's important to look out for the signs, which include:
Coughing or gagging
Red or watery eyes, nasal discharge, inflammation of throat or mouth
Trouble breathing
Fatigue or weakness, disorientation, uneven gait, stumbling
Reduced appetite or thirst or refusal to eat hard foods
If you notice any of these signs, veterinary care is necessary. If you are unable to take your pet to the vet, do your best to provide relief in the meantime by soothing your pet and moving them to an area with the cleanest air possible. Do not give your pet any unprescribed medication or home remedies without direction from a veterinarian, as they could have an adverse effect.
Birds are at an especially high risk for smoke inhalation, so be sure to bring them inside at the first sign of smoke and keep them indoors until it has completely cleared.
Reduce your pet's risk
If a wildfire is approaching your area, you can take a few precautions to lower your pet's risk of smoke inhalation and other dangers.
Keep your pet indoors. To minimize your pet's exposure to the harmful toxins and chemicals fires produce, keep your pet indoors as much as possible. Avoid activity outside and keep bathroom breaks short.
Pack a pet evacuation kit. Each pet should have enough food and water for at least three days. Pack one ounce of water per pound (of pet) per day. So, if your pet is eight pounds, you'll need a cup a day. Other items include:
Litter or doggie bags
Pee pads (some pets may have accidents due to nervousness)
Medications
Leashes and collars (Collars should include a tag with your contact information in case you are separated. Tracking devices can also help locate missing pets.)
First aid kit
Stress-reducing medication
Provide clean air. Keeping windows and doors closed can help protect against most of the smoke, but some will still seep in. Consider purchasing a portable air cleaner or high-efficiency HVAC filter to provide clean air. You may need to consult a professional HVAC technician to determine the highest efficiency filter that will work best for your system, but doing so can help keep everyone in the home safe.
Skip the mask for pets. While masks for dogs exist, the American Kennel Club does not recommend using them due to the potential risk they pose for inhibiting your pet's breathing and the lack of evidence of their effectiveness. Instead, keep your pet indoors. You can also consider boarding your pet in another town if you have the means or having them stay with friends and family until the danger has passed.
Get your pets used to their carriers. Evacuating with nervous pets can be challenging. Getting them used to their crates or carriers can help calm their nerves while allowing you to evacuate quickly should you need to. Placing a sheet over your pet's carrier can also help calm them before and during transport.
Source: American Veterinary Medical Association, AirNow.gov and American Kennel Club
