Devastating bushfires raging in NSW, Queensland and South Australia mark a horrific start to this fire season. We have seen tragic loss of life and property; and yet encouraging stories emerge such as Bear the Detector Dog rescuing singed Koalas from the ashes.

There are some critical things you must do to care for your pets and to prepare for a potential evacuation in a fire season.

 

Be Prepared

Having a Bushfire Survival plan is particularly important in Australia. Know the fire risk in your area; on Code Red days the safest place to be is away from high fire risk areas – be prepared to move your pets early. If you are holidaying in a new area, do remember to check the fire risk where you are. Check radio and TV warnings, and check fire alert apps and state hotlines for updates and advice.

Just like you have a bushfire evacuation kit for yourself, be sure to have emergency supplies for your animals. Store at least a week’s worth of dry and canned food, along with bottled water, plastic bags, litter trays and litter. Have leads, collars, bowls and cages readily available in case evacuation is necessary. Keep your pets’ vaccination records, vet contact details and medical notes in a zip lock bag, along with any medication your pets need. Talk to your vet about a pet first aid kit, and whether you need extra supplies of your pet’s regular medication. 

Blankets are useful for bedding, and for covering your pets if necessary. Keep your evacuation supplies in an easy to reach place in case you need to leave in a hurry. Practice loading your pets and supplies into the car – it takes longer than you might think!

Make sure pets can be easily identified. Microchip them and ensure your contact details, and those of an emergency contact, are up to date. You can check your pets’ microchip details on Central Animal Records (www.car.com.au). ID tags on collars are a good idea and write your contact details clearly on cages and carriers. Have a list of places you can take your pets if you have to evacuate, such as friends’ places or boarding kennels. Keep in contact with your neighbours and discuss plans for your pets’ evacuation in the event you are not home.

 

Smoke Inhalation

If smoke and dust is making you cough and your eyes sting, then it will be affecting your pets too. Birds are particularly sensitive to smoke and dust.

 

Avoiding smoke inhalation 

Pets should be kept indoors with windows closed when there is a smoke hazard. Take extra care with animals that have heart or breathing conditions and monitor them closely. Dogs should only be let outdoors for bathroom breaks and encourage cats to use litter trays rather than toileting outside. Avoid exercise or any activities that might make dogs breathe harder.

 

Signs of smoke inhalation 

Signs of smoke inhalation in animals include:

  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • Red, itchy, watery eyes
  • Poor appetite 
  • Weakness or lethargy

If you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian for advice as soon as practical.

 

Burns

If your pet has sustained a burn injury, cool the area with copious amounts of water. Seek veterinary attention immediately.

 

Heat stress

Heat stress (or heat stroke) happens when an animal cannot maintain a normal body temperature on a hot day. Make sure animals have a cool area they can escape to, and that they have access to water to drink. Allowing pets to lie on tiled floors, wet towels or cooling gel mats will help, as will putting ice cubes in water bowls and paddling pools. Wet down their fur, especially under their neck and their tummies. Pets with thicker fur benefit from having a summer haircut too! Exercise dogs in the cooler mornings or evenings. Take extra care to keep pets cool on Severe, Extreme or Code Red fire danger days, and never leave your pets unattended in a car.

Signs of heat stress:

  • Whining
  • Unsettled behaviour
  • Drooling
  • Panting more than expected
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness, lethargy and collapse

If your pet shows these signs, seek veterinary care immediately. Cool your pet down with water in the meantime.

 

Stay Safe

Bushfire events are frightening for both pets and people. Please remember in an emergency, put your own safety ahead of your pets’, and always follow the instructions of emergency personnel. If you find stray pets, take them to the nearest shelter or veterinarian if you can do so safely. Above all, please keep safe and look out for your friends and neighbours!