As Los Angeles continues to face multiple fire threats, veterinarians and animal rights groups are urging pet owners to assemble emergency “go bags” for their furry companions and prepare for evacuation. I am calling on you to do so. In an environment where every second counts, a well-prepared plan can mean the difference between chaos and safety for your pet and your family.
Veterinarians recommend keeping pets calm during fires to ensure their safety
The sight of flames or the smell of smoke can cause panic in humans as well as animals. Paige Adams, a veterinarian at Etowah Veterinary Hospital in Georgia, emphasizes the importance of keeping your pet calm in these dire situations. Animals can feel fear and stress, and Adams advises that it’s important to maintain a calming presence to help them overcome this.
Adams suggests pet owners consider microchipping their pets for identification and making sure their collars have up-to-date ID tags. This step may prove extremely important if your pet becomes separated from its owner during an evacuation. Additionally, assembling a pet-specific emergency bag will facilitate a quick and efficient response when faced with an emergency evacuation order.
So what should you put in your pet’s go bag? Essentials include several days’ worth of food and water, a bowl, any necessary medications, a first aid kit, and comfort items such as blankets and toys. Including a recent photo of your pet can also help with identification purposes. These items can make a huge difference in keeping your pet as comfortable and stress-free as possible during an emergency.
“Smoke and poor air quality are themselves dangerous to pets as well as humans,” Adams said. newsweek. She recommends keeping pets indoors when air quality is poor or impaired and limiting outdoor activity to short bathroom breaks.
Fire conditions have reached critical levels, with the Palisades Fire alone burning more than 2,900 acres and spreading at an alarming rate. Evacuation orders have already been issued in areas such as the Pacific Palisades, Pasadena and Sylmar. In such unpredictable situations, having an emergency plan in place is not only wise, but essential.
First reported by Zarah Patel dog time.
