As it gets hotter and dryer out, more wildfires are prone to happen. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “the National Interagency Fire Center has documented an average of approximately 70,000 wildfires per year.” In California alone this year, wildfires have burned over 200,000+ acres of land!

Before Wildfire Season

It’s crucial to be ready prior to the start of wildfire season! Follow these 3 preventative measures to make sure you and your pet are ready to go in case of a nearby wildfire:

1. Create a fire escape plan, pet emergency kit, and a go-bag ready

2. Have a Pet Rescue Fire Safety sticker on your window ~ Visit the Shop Section of the NAPPS website and purchase your NAPPS Pet Alert decals today. 

3. Remove brushy areas from around your home

During Wildfire Season 

In 2020, in California there were 8,112 wildfires that burned 1,443,152 acres! The smoke and ash from these wildfires extended beyond that! The ash covered people’s cars and made the air quality very poor and hard to breathe in. 

For our dogs, breathing in ash is very dangerous once it reaches deep into their lungs and can cause your pup to have seizures, feel lethargic, start fainting, and even feel confused and disoriented. 

If there is a nearby wildfire that is casting off lots of smoke or ash, make sure to do the following: 

1. Close all windows 

2. Take your pup out for shorter potty breaks  

3. After returning from outside, wipe your pups’ paws to remove all potential ash/smoke particles

4. Have an air purifier 

5. Keeping your pup hydrated 

6. Monitor your pup’s behavior after being outside 

Symptoms 

Symptoms to keep an eye out for if your pup has inhaled smoke and/or ash: 

• Eye inflammation — are your dog’s itching their eyes? Are they squinting due to the pain? Are the eyes swelling? 

• Smoke inhalation — is your pup vomiting after smoke exposure? Are they drooling excessively? 

The symptoms can vary greatly depending on how much your pup was exposed to the smoke or ash. 

Taking the actions above will help ensure the safety and well-being of your furry loved one! 

Sources

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/smoke-inhalation-in-dogs

https://www.rover.com/blog/protecting-your-dog-from-wildfire-smoke-and-poor-air-quality/

https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/pets-and-emergencies/care-of-pets-exposed-to-smoke-and-ash

https://www.fire.ca.gov/stats-events/

https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-wildfires#:~:text=Since%201983%2C%20the%20National%20Interagency,year%20(see%20Figure%201)