California Wildfires: How to Help, and Keep Your Animals Safe
With the devastating wildfires breaking out in and around Los Angeles, we wanted to write about the effects those fires can have on pets, even if the animals themselves aren’t necessarily within spitting distance of the flames.
Last summer, we wrote about whether you should worry about wildfire smoke around your pets, and how to keep them safe and healthy when there are fires nearby. Living out west, wildfires are a common occurrence, and one that we’ve all grown to live with, even if they don’t happen super often in San Diego. But, as a quick recap, there are signs that your pet may be suffering as a result of wildfire smoke exposure.
If they’re coughing, have irritated eyes and nasal discharge, are tired, and are having a hard time breathing, those can be tell-tale signs. The best solution to mitigate those symptoms is to simply bring them inside and keep them in some fresh, circulated, and filtered air.
Further, if it is smoky outside (or maybe you’re close enough that ash is falling on the ground), it may be worth taking the time to wipe your pet’s paws off after they’ve been outdoors with a wet washcloth. That can prevent them from tracking soot or ash into your home, and from ingesting it if they end up licking their feet. Some people even buy special goggles for their pets to keep the smoke from irritating their eyes, too—that’s an option if you feel like exploring it.
Exposure to wildfire smoke is the primary concern when it comes to your pet’s health, unless, of course, there’s an actual fire bearing down on your home—in that case, listen to the authorities, and get out.
Another thing to consider is that wildfires can and do change the landscape. The wild animals that live there, or once did, will need to adapt accordingly. If you live near an area where there’s been a recent wildfire, you may need to be aware of animals acting differently, or injured or dying animals coming within distance of your home and drawing pets’ attention.
Can you help animals displaced by wildfires?
If you’re wondering what you can do to help the pets and animals that have been displaced by wildfires, be it in Los Angeles or anywhere else, there are some things that can be done.
Consider donating: There are numerous shelters in the greater Los Angeles area that are getting an influx of animals, and they can use every penny they can get.
Foster: Many pets may need temporary homes. If you’re up for it, you may be able to foster an animal for a short time.
Report injured or distressed animals: You can use applications like Animal Help Now to alert authorities to animals that may be injured, lost, or otherwise in distress. If you see animals, wild or otherwise, in your area that appear to be in trouble, report it to get them help.
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