Whether you are located in Southern California or across the country, everyone can benefit from being prepared for disaster. With the fires raging across the west coast right now, thousands of people are being forced to evacuate their homes. Here’s everything you need to know to keep you and your pet safe if your area is affected by a fire.
Fire Safety Tips
Stay Hydrated
This goes for both you and your dog. The fires cause a rapid decline in humidity (sometimes getting as low as 7%), so dehydration is a serious risk during this time. Signs of overheating and dehydration.
Stay Indoors
Until the quality of the air improves, we urge everyone to keep their pets inside. If you live near the fire effected areas, some pets may be displaced. If you see stray or wandering animals contact LA Animal Services at 888-452-7381.
Limit Playtime
Compromised oxygen levels might make it harder for your dog to catch their breath. We advise not letting your dog get too physically active while outside until air quality conditions improve.
Get an Air Filter
While supplies last, having an air filter in your home will help improve your quality of sleep and health.
Pet Preparedness Kit
Just like people, you want to be ready to evacuate in case of an emergency. here are some critical items to have in your pet preparedness kit.
Documentation
In case of a disaster, you will want all of your pet’s documentation in one place and ready to take with you such as vaccination records, proof of ownership, microchip number, and contact information.
First Aid Kit
Having a pet first aid kit is helpful in everyday life and is critical during a disaster. Make sure it includes the basics such as non adhesive pet bandages, neosporin, hydrogen peroxide, and eye rinse. Related Article: Essential Items for Pet First Aid Kit.
Supplies
Having your dog’s belongings all in one place, makes it’s easy to move quickly in case of an emergency such as an earthquake or fire. Here is a list of items to have:
- 2 Weeks of Food & Water
- Bowls
- Medications
- Pet Carrier
- Toys
- Collar & Tags
- Bedding
- Cleaning Supplies
At Risk Breeds
Short-nosed dogs
Breeds like Boxers, Pugs, Pekinese, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs have difficulty breathing due to the shape of their head. These dogs tend to have a low tolerance for vigorous exercise and are highly susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. During fires where there is poor air quality, it’s important these breeds stay inside and well hydrated.
Dogs prone to eye infections
Certain breeds are prone to eye infections and injury such as Maltese, Pugs, Pekinese, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles or any other dogs with sensitive skin or bulging eyes. During fires, there is a lot of debris in the air and these dogs are more at risk to getting eye irritations and infections. We recommend keeping these dogs inside and rinsing your dog’s eye with a basic saline few times a day to prevent irritation or infection.
Dogs prone to allergies
Always have benadryl readily available. If your dog is not breathing due to an allergic reaction, administer a Benadryl and bring them to the closest veterinarian. Benadryl doses for dogs is 1mg per pound. Source
Disaster Relief
Operation Blankets of Love collects much-needed items for pets displaced by disasters such as fires. They need food, dog beds, blankets, and towels. If you’re able to donate any of these items, you can drop them off at Fitdog in Santa Monica and OBOL will pick them up from us.
Updated on September 10, 2020.