Protecting Your Pets from Wildfire Dangers

Wildfires can strike without warning. You may only have minutes to round up your pets and safely escape the blazing flames and heat.

But you and your pets can also be in danger if fires are a few miles away. In my Pet First Aid 4U classes I teach, I alert my students of the hidden danger: inhaling smoke-filled air. Yep, poor air quality from wildfires can be as hard on pets as on pet.

Pets inhaling smoke are at risk for:

• Irritations to eyes that cause them to be red and watery

• Coughing and gagging

• Difficulty breathing

• Increased respiratory rate

Veterinarians report that breathing in smoke-filled air for one single day is the equivalent of smoking about seven cigarettes per day!

Certain Pets Face Greater Health Risks

Senior pets with compromised immune systems and certain breeds with pushed-in faces face more health risks when the air is polluted or smoky. They include cat breeds such as Persians, Exotic Shorthairs and Himalayans as well as popular dog breeds that include French bulldogs, Boston terriers, Pugs and American bulldogs.

When the air quality takes a nosedive, heed these safety tips to protect your pets:

• Keep your pets inside as much as possible.

• Close all windows and doors to minimize the smoke's infiltration and use air purifiers if available.

• Let your dog out for a brief period for bathroom breaks.

• Use a damp cloth to remove any smoke debris on your pet’s paws and body after outdoor potty breaks.

• Pay attention to evacuation orders and be prepared to act quickly if the situation escalates. Remain calm around your pets, as they can sense anxiety and stress. 

Wildfires can strike any time, so now is the time to create an emergency evacuation plan for you and your pets. Here’s your homework:

• Identify pet-friendly evacuation shelters, animal boarding facilities, or even friends and family who can accommodate your pets, if necessary. Keep a list of contact numbers and addresses readily available in case you need to evacuate quickly.

• Make sure your pets wear collars with up-to-date ID tags and are microchipped for easy identification should you get separated. 

• Make sure pet carriers, harnesses and leashes and a first aid kit are within easy reach.

The major takeaway is to be prepared. Have a Plan A and Plan B, and even a Plan C on how to evacuate with pets during any natural disaster.

Final Pet Tip:

Be your pet’s best health ally by enrolling in one of our Pet First Aid 4U classes. We are the only pet safety company to offer three ways for you to learn and earn veterinarian-approved two-year certificates in pet first aid/CPR. Your options:

• In-person classes primarily aimed at pet professionals. 

• Interactive via ZOOM classes are offered once a month and on demand.

• Self-paced online for those who prefer to learn anytime, anywhere on their own schedule. 

Pick your option and sign up today!

About the Author:

Arden Moore, founder of Pet First Aid 4 U, is a Master Pet First Aid/CPR Instructor who teaches veterinarian-approved, hands-on safety courses alongside her teaching team of Kona (dog) and Casey (cat). Known as “The Pet First Aid & Safety Coach,” Arden is also a nationally recognized behavior consultant, bestselling author of over 25 pet books, and the award-winning host of the “Oh Behave!” podcast. A Fear Free Certified Professional, she brings decades of pet expertise to all her endeavors — with a mission to help pets live safer, longer and healthier lives.