National Geographic tells us when it comes to the state of California, “The state is just hotter and drier than it used to be, and that’s driving a trend toward larger fires.”
If the hottest and driest summers have all occurred in the last 20 years then we need to start preparing with at the very least, an action plan for hot temperatures and emergency plan for our families and animals. We also learn in this article that California has literally warmed by about three degrees Fahrenheit.
But what about Oregon and Washington?
Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) tell us that warmer weather will bring more mosquitos! Yuck! That has a big impact on our dogs moving forward! Since our region is so closely tied to the environment, we are also looking at more extreme weather including landslides and wildfires!
We’re proactive around here though so this news doesn’t spin us up into a panic instead, it shows us that we need to prepare our animals for what’s around the corner. Farmers are already starting to plan to grow crops that are better suited for warmer temperatures in 2019.
Some questions to ask yourself about pets and climate change
Do you have an evacuation plan for your animals if something happens where you need to get out fast?
If the temperatures continue to soar this summer, do you have any solutions to cool down your pets and still get them outdoors?
As a reminder, here are some symptoms of heat stroke that you should save as a jpeg!
Here are the signs of overheating:
- Profuse and rapid panting
- Bright red tongue
- Thick drooling saliva
- Wide eyes with a glassy look
- Lack of coordination
- Vomiting/Diarrhea (this is the most common sign)
But let’s talk evacuation plan in this post.
We know that when it came to the Paradise fire in California, the winds brought the fire through the town without any warning and it was basically too late for folks to organize evacuation efforts.
What would you do?
Here are some tips from the organization, Ready for Wildfire:
- Plan ahead. Know where you will take or leave your pets. In case you are not home when disaster strikes, arrange in advance for a neighbor to check on or transport your pets. Make sure your neighbors have your contact numbers (cell phone, work, home, etc.). In the event of an evacuation, pets may not be allowed inside human emergency shelters – have an alternate prearranged location to take your animals.
- Make sure your pets are always wearing properly fitted collars with personal identification, rabies, and license tags.
- Each animal should have its own pet carrier. Birds, rodents, and reptiles should be transported in cages. Cover cages with a light sheet or cloth to minimize their fear.
- Store vaccination/medical records, veterinary contact information, proof of ownership, a current photo, and a Disaster Preparedness Kit in one location.
Our staff can answer many questions about preparing for climate change and your pets.
If you must leave your pet, there are tips for that as well on their site. You should also plan your pet disaster preparedness kit as well.
While climate change is having a major impact on our region, it’s good to have these steps put to memory as anything can happen and we all need to be prepared!