03/29/2025
Protecting Pets from Volcanic Ash Exposure
Pets should be protected from inhaling ash, and direct contact should be minimized as much as possible. Avoid exposure to eyes, nasal passages, and lungs.
• Keep pets indoors as much as possible during ashfall. If they need to go outside,
ensure they are on a leash or under supervision to minimize exposure to the ash.
Pets may not recognize the dangers of volcanic ash and might play in it or stir up
harmful ash clouds.
• Provide fresh, clean drinking water. Move water containers indoors or cover them to
protect them from falling ash. Change the water regularly to ensure it remains clean.
• After your pet has been outside, brush off any ash before letting them back inside.
Clean their paws if needed. Check eyes and flush gently with saline, if they’ve been
exposed to ash. If your pet is comfortable, you can vacuum their coat to remove ash,
but avoid doing so if it causes them distress.
For additional information, please refer to the following resources:
• Ready.gov - Pets > https://www.ready.gov/pets
• CDC - Emergency Preparedness for Healthy Pets > https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/emergency-preparedness/index.html
