As multiple wildfires continue to ravage Southern Californian homes, concern has been raised about the welfare of pets and a veterinarian shared some advice with ABC News on how best to care for them during this emergency.
Why It Matters
Evacuation orders are in place for 105,000 Los Angeles residents as the wildfires have collectively swept over around 40,000 acres of land, according to NBC News, meaning many people with pets have had to leave their homes and animal shelters have been overwhelmed, the Associated Press reported.
Ethan Swope/AP
What To Know
Stevie Aitken, an emergency veterinarian who works with the Veterinary Emergency Group, told ABC News that owners should keep their pets indoors as much as possible because smoke and ash are equally as harmful to animals as they are to humans. She suggested trying to see if dogs would go to the bathroom on absorptive pads inside the house, to limit their exposure to the current environment outside.
If pets do go outside, Aitken recommended wiping their paws with a wet towel or baby wipes to ensure any soot is removed, to stop them from licking it off.
There are also goggles you can purchase for dogs, known as doggles, which can protect their eyes from irritants in the air if it is necessary for them to go outside for any reason, she told the news outlet. Aitken added that canine masks can also be bought as well to limit the amount of smoke a dog breaths in.
When it comes to preparation for emergencies like the wildfires, Aitken also told ABC News that it's worth having a bag packed ready that has all the essentials your pet might need should you be required to evacuate.
Essentials would include seven days worth of food and a bowl for water, any medications, and a collar and leash, which preferably has an up-to-date name tag with your contact information on, she told the outlet, adding you could also attach an AirTag to the pet's collar in case you're separated from it for some reason.
Rather than using a retractable leash, Aitken said that it would be better to use a six-foot, fixed leash so that pets are less likely to walk into dangerous areas or go too far from you.
It's also a good idea to pack any recent medical records in case your pet needs to stay in a clinic or shelter away from you, she added. In case you are separated from your pet, Aitken said it could also be worth packing some current photos of the animal so that others can assist you in searching for them.
Aitken also said that owners should always transport cats and small pets, like guinea pigs or bunnies in pet carriers.
What People Are Saying
Dr. Sandra Faeh, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, said in a video released on Facebook by the association: “Our hearts and thoughts are with everyone in California as we see the devastation caused by the fires.”
American Veterinary Medical Association also wrote in a separate post on Facebook: “Wildfires like those tearing through the Los Angeles area put both animals and people at risk, and the hearts of AVMA members go out to all of those who are affected. The AVMA has many free resources to help animal owners protect pets and livestock, and to prepare veterinary practices and teams to respond quickly in an emergency.”
Responding to Newsweek‘s request for comment on pet protection during the wildfires, the association said: “One of the most critical steps in preparing for evacuating is to prepare a pet-specific emergency kit that includes enough food, water, and medications to last at least one week, along with copies of veterinary records and proof of ownership.
“In addition to supplies, having a clear evacuation plan is crucial—know where pet-friendly shelters or accommodations are to make sure your pets are welcomed and allowed, and ensure that you have a secure carrier or crate for each pet. Proper identification is also key during emergencies. Pets should wear collars with up-to-date ID tags, and microchips should be registered with current contact information. This helps reunite pets with their owners if they become separated.”
What's Next
Three of the fires are continuing to burn in California, the Palisades fire, which is now at 13 percent containment, the Eaton fire, now at 27 percent containment and the Hurst fire, which has almost been fully contained, the latest figures on California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) show.
Update 01/13/25, 11:40 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
