In light of the fires and evacuations all over California, we wanted to share some tips to keep our furry, scaley, and feathered loved ones safe. Looking after pets during uncertain times can be stressful because they depend on us, having no means to look out for themselves during natural disasters. It is important to be prepared to evacuate your pets if necessary, in addition to keeping your pets safe if you are weathering the storm at home.
Preparing in advance is key
To stay on top of wildfire risks in your area, wfas.net is a good resource to view a current risk map. To learn how to create a buffer zone around your home, check out readyforwildfire.org/defensible-space. The AirVisual app airvisual.com/app can also help to understand the risks in your area.
We recommend to identify a water source outside of your home, such as a small pond, well, or even a swimming pool. Plan and practice at least two ways out of your neighborhood and it is a great idea to plan out temporary housing in advance where you can go with your pets if you need to.
Tips for evacuating with pets
Have an evacuation kit prepped for each of your pets. This includes:
- one carrier per cat
- one leash per dog
- transport cages for birds or pocket pets
- several days of food
- medications
- medications that require refrigeration (such as insulin) can be carried in an insulated bag with ice packs. Amazon has such packs made for diabetics.
- copies of identification, such as microchip numbers, license numbers, and a photograph in case you are separated from your pet.
- always carry water in your car
- Consider investing in solar rechargeable lights, or a rechargeable battery powered floodlight in case of an emergency evacuation at night without power.
For sensitive animals and birds you may even consider boarding them at a veterinary clinic for a little while. (assuming the vet has power). Some veterinary clinics, including some VCA hospitals ( https://vcahospitals.com/press-center/2019-10-28 ) offer free boarding during times of evacuation. “Medical boarding” of pets at a veterinary facility ensures quick access to medical resources, just in case your pet is having a hard time and needs oxygen or other medical support due to poor air quality, smoke, or exacerbation of underlying medical issues due to stress.
Tips for keeping pets safe at home
Please try to keep your fur and feather babies indoors, ESPECIALLY if they have asthma, coughing, or any respiratory issues, or if your pet is a BIRD. Smoke inhalation can be deadly for birds. Children, the elderly, and animals are particularly vulnerable.
In dry times with ash and other particulate pollutants in the air, remember to change your pets’ water every day, as water will trap airborne particles. If you feed birds or care for outdoor critters of any kinds, make sure you keep their water containers clean and full. Smoke and dry air makes everyone thirsty.
Aerosolized toxins and particles are particularly destructive in areas that are having fire retardants air dropped, even in indoor areas. We recommend to seal your home by closing all windows and doors and seal any openings, including vents. Avoid sources of indoor air pollution by avoiding smoking, incense, candles, or vacuuming, unless you are using a HEPA vacuum cleaner
Create a clean air safe zone by setting air conditioners to indoor air intake and close the fresh air intake. Use a high powered air purifier or a HEPA filter. Dr. Eve uses the IQAir HealthPro Hepa filter in her home. If you will be bringing animals in the car, use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner in your car.
For the dryness, we recommend to use an air humidifier or a diffuser filled with water in your home. If you do not have one, you can also fill a pan with water, and set your fan to blow across or right over the pan, to spread moisture into the air.
What to watch for
Symptoms of smoke or aerosolized toxin inhalation in animals include coughing, labored or rapid breathing, cats open mouth breathing, squinting eyes, eye irritation or excessive watering, nasal discharge, and lethargy. https://news.wsu.edu/2017/08/04/pets-wildfire-smoke-hazards/ If you see anything like this bring your animal in to a vet clinic for evaluation and oxygen asap.
If you find an animal that is injured or lost
If you find an animal, it is best to keep the animal in the county where it was found. You can report or search through county databases online, your local animal shelters, or local humane societies. The Nextdoor app, as well as local shelter and community Facebook pages have become important resources for reuniting owners with lost pets.
It is also a good idea to leave water outside incase lost pets or displaced wildlife come by.
Integrative veterinary care
Medications– We often see allergies causing irritated eyes and respiratory issues around fire season and the change of season. Some over-the-counter anti-histamines can be helpful here with the guidance of a veterinarian.
Bathing– Dogs and cats are closer to the ground, sniff everything, and lick themselves to groom. You may want to bathe dogs more frequently during this time so they don’t inadvertently ingest aerosolized toxins that get on their fur. For cats, you may help them groom toxins off of their fur by wiping them gently down with a damp washcloth. There are many excellent medicated and gentle herbal shampoos and soaks available for use in pets.
Complimentary & traditional medicines as preventatives– Herbs and plants that can keep you and your babies protected during this time of year include Mullein, Chamomile, Calendula, Echinacea, Marshmallow root, Nettle, Elderberry, Ashwaganda, and Tulsi. We also recommend Reishi and Maitake mushrooms to support the immune system during this time. Ask your holistic or integrative vet to help you chose the best herbal and mushroom-based medicines and advise on how to administer them to pets.
Acupuncture– Acupuncture have been demonstrated to help support the immune system, increase blood flow, and help the body process aerosolized and ingested toxins.
Essential Oils- If you are interested in safe medicinal use of essential oils for animals, you might also explore diffusing purifying oils from AnimalEO.info. It is important to understand that some essential oils and methods of administering them are toxic or irritating to animals, so it is best to schedule an appointment with a holistic or integrative veterinarian to discuss the most appropriate and safe use of essential oils for your pet.
Conclusion
Many of these tips are also applicable to periods of times when earthquakes or other natural disasters occur here in California. Disaster preparedness is an important part of pet ownership, and we hope this blog will give help provide the tools you need to keep your pets as safe as possible.
If your pet needs pain relief, stress relief, or a little extra TLC with the fires, the Santa Ana winds, and the coming of the holidays and cold, please reach out to your veterinarian for support.
From Dr. Eve Harrison & Kadeth Pozzesi (with Marigold Veterinary house call service in Los Angeles)… we send our love to you, your animals, and those affected by the fires.