In Australia, bushfires can spread extremely quickly, posing a significant risk to our furry companions. Heat, smoke, and burns are just a few of the numerous concerns. As an animal lover, you need to do everything you can to ensure your pet’s safety.
In this blog, we’ll explore tips to keep your pets safe during bushfire season.
How to Keep Your Pets Safe During a Wildfire
Plan in advance
Brainstorm well in advance of the catastrophe and decide your plan of action when the disaster hits. Ask yourself, where will you take your pets if evacuation is inevitable? Decide on your method of transportation. You should have details of the nearest pet boarding facilities. You may also communicate with your friends beforehand to see if they can take care of your pet during this period. When you plan all of these, you will be less stressed and able to act quickly during the emergency.
Have a pet emergency kit ready
Prepare an emergency kit for your pet and keep it near the exit door. The kit should include the following items:
- Documents of your pet’s ownership and vaccination
- First aid kit
- Pet food and water
- Food and water bowls
- Leash, harness, or carrier
- Blanket or towel
- Medications
- Waste bags
Check this kit periodically and change expired food or medications.
Microchip your pet
Bushfires can scare the hell out of your pet and make them run away and go astray. Proper identification improves their chances of being reunited when they are lost. Microchipping provides permanent identification for your pets. Make sure the details linked to the chip are up to date. You may also make your pet wear a collar with an ID tag including your updated contact details on the tag.
Leave early
Evacuating early is always better than staying, as the situation can get worse with every passing minute after the fire hits. Bushfires can change direction quickly, and this can make evacuations dangerous. Roads may get blocked by fire, debris, or smoke.
Filter your options
After evacuating, you should take your pets to a pre-arranged location. Some of the safest options for your pet include boarding kennels, vet clinics, pet-friendly hotels, or family or friends away from the bushfires. Some public shelters do not allow pets, so decide your options in advance to prevent last-minute chaos.
Always keep an eye on your pet
The smoke and heat of bushfires can affect your animal companions even when the fire is away from your location. Watch your pet for signs of smoke and heat stress. Some common symptoms of heat stress in pets include difficulty in breathing, coughing, red or watery eyes, loss of appetite, and weakness. If your pet is showing any of these signs during the fire, take them to the vet at the earliest.
If you have larger pets
Your bushfire preparation is different if you have livestock or other large animals. During high-risk times of the year, relocate your pets early to safer locations if possible. Move them to a paddock with short grass and ensure they have enough water supply.
If you are staying
Prepare your home for your animal companions if you are not leaving your property during the bushfire. Just like you, your pet needs a safe area during the disaster. Select a room in your house away from windows and keep leashes, carriers, and an emergency kit in this room. Bring your pets inside early and close the doors and windows to prevent the smoke from getting inside the house. Place wet towels under the doors and have water available for your pet at all times.
In the end
There is a simple rule of bushfires. If it is not safe for you, it’s not safe for your pets either. Wildfires can be dangerous, but preparing in advance gives you an advantage. Have your emergency plan in place and prepare a kit with sufficient stock of essentials. If you are evacuating, leave early with your pet. Always remember, your pet is dependent on you, so do everything you can to ensure their safety when it matters the most.
