California is home to three out of our four Wagly locations and it is truly a part of our DNA. The fires and extreme temperatures occurring throughout the state are directly affecting our Wagly family and we want to help you keep your pets safe during these dire times. Use the following tips to ensure your pets stay safe as we work to overcome these hardships:
Unhealthy Air Quality and Pets
Just like humans, smoke from wildfires can cause serious health issues for our furry friends. One of the biggest effects of the forest fire on animals is smoke that can lead to a host of health issues. Although animals who already have some kind of heart or lung problems are more susceptible, even otherwise healthy pets might start to feel irritation from the smoke. If you notice any of the following symptoms, please contact us today to make a veterinary appointment:
- Excessive coughing
- Breathing problems or any significant breathing changes
- Eye issues or excessive watering
- Discharge from the nose
- Behavioral changes
Try to keep your pets indoors as much as possible to minimize their exposure to the poor air quality. Keep birds entirely inside and limit your dog or cat’s outside time to bathroom breaks. Wagly’s facilities are fully air conditioned, so if you want your pets to get some exercise and socailization while staying safe from poor air quality, reserve a spot in our San Jose daycare today. If you are concerned at all about your pet’s smoke exposure, please schedule an appointment so one of our veterinarians can check them out.
Evacuation Preparation
Unfortunately, the unpredictability of the fires means that anyone living in close proximity should be ready to evacuate at any time. With more than 500,000 acres already burned, tens of thousands of people have already been displaced. Creating an evacuation plan helps you know what you have to do if you need to leave your home in a hurry. This means having a safe location to take your pets (especially if your local shelters do not accept them). Wagly’s clean and safe pet boarding facilities are ready to take your pets if you need to evacuate in a hurry.
It is also important to make sure your pets are properly identified in case you get separated during the evacuation. If they are not microchipped, make sure they have clear identification tags and colors with your contact information. Each pet should also have their own carrier as well as a list of vaccinations, medical records, a photo, and contact information for your veterinarian. Check out this article for some tips on what to include in an evacuation kit.
Heat Safety
As if the fires are not bad enough, we are also experiencing dangerous heat throughout the state. With record-breaking temperatures affecting more than forty million residents, it is more important than ever to remember heat safety tips for pets.
Pets get dehydrated much quicker than humans, which is why it is imperative to make sure they always have enough water. If they are spending long blocks of time outside, they need a shaded area where they can get some relief from the sun. Heatstroke is a dangerous condition for any animal and could lead to significant health issues and, in some cases, death. If you notice any of the following signs of heatstroke, you should contact the veterinarian immediately:
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
- Inability to focus or walk properly
- Drooling
- Seizures
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Be extra cautious with animals that have flat faces or are overweight or have other health conditions because the heat will affect them more than other pets. Don’t forget that you should never, ever leave a pet alone in a hot car as temperatures can reach dangerously high levels in a matter of minutes.
If you need to evacuate, Wagly offers safe boarding options for your pets. Please call our Blossom Hill San Jose location at (669) 202-0995 to learn more about our boarding options or to request a spot for your animals.