03/15/2025
🌋 Important Tips for Pet Parents: What to Do for Your Dogs During a Volcanic Eruption
As we all know, natural disasters can pose unique challenges for our furry friends. In light of the potential risks associated with the Mount Spurr volcanic eruption, here are essential tips to keep your dogs safe and healthy.
Health Risks to Consider:
Air Quality: Volcanic ash can irritate your dog's respiratory system, leading to coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing.
Skin and Eye Irritation: Ash can cause skin irritation and eye problems, especially in dogs with pre-existing conditions.
Ingestion Hazards: If ash settles on food or water sources, it can lead to gastrointestinal issues if ingested.
What to Do:
Keep Dogs Indoors: Limit outdoor exposure. Create a safe indoor space where your dog can stay comforted and calm.
Seal Windows and Doors: Ensure that all windows and doors are tightly closed to prevent ash and dust from entering your home.
Use Air Purifiers: If available, use air purifiers with HEPA filters to improve indoor air quality.
Monitor Their Health: Keep an eye on your dog’s breathing and general behavior. If you notice any signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Provide Fresh Water and Food: Make sure your dog has access to clean water and food that is free from ash contamination.
Stay Calm: Dogs can sense their owners' anxiety. Keeping a calm demeanor will help your pet feel more secure.
If Your Dog Must Go Outside:
Limit Exposure: If your dog must go outside, do so quickly and at the least windy times of the day to minimize ash inhalation.
Protective Gear:To safeguard your pup from the harmful effects of volcanic ash, consider the following:
•Doggy Mask: A well-fitted doggy mask can help filter out ash particles and protect their respiratory system from irritation.
•Doggy Goggles: These specialized goggles shield your dog's eyes from ash and debris, preventing irritation and potential injury.
•Boots: Invest in sturdy dog boots to protect your dog's paws from sharp ash particles and hot surfaces. This will help prevent cuts and irritation while keeping their feet clean.
•Protective Clothing: Lightweight, breathable dog jackets can also help shield their skin from ash exposure, making clean-up easier when they come back inside.
Wipe Down After: Immediately wipe your dog’s paws and coat after they come back inside to remove any ash and prevent ingestion.
Monitor Signs: Watch for any signs of respiratory distress or irritation after they return indoors.
Stay Informed:
Monitor local news and emergency services for updates on the eruption.
Have a plan in place for evacuation if necessary, including a pet emergency kit containing food, water, medications, sanitation supplies, leashes, familiar toys or blanket, and identification.
Your dogs rely on you for their safety and well-being, especially during emergencies. By taking these precautions, we can help ensure they remain safe and comfortable.
Stay safe, and remember that we are here for you and your pets!
The Paws & Pastures Team 🐶❤️
- Helpful Resources:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.alaskasnewssource.com/2025/03/14/volcano-watch-if-spurr-erupts-heres-what-pet-livestock-experts-say-owners-need-know/%3foutputType=amp
https://animaldisastermanagement.wordpress.com/2020/12/22/how-to-get-animal-ready-for-a-volcanic-eruption/ #:~:text=Vaccination/de%2Dworming%20records,waste%20into%20sealed%20plastic%20bag
Both the state veterinarian and a Fairbanks livestock expert say it is key to understand ashfall’s potential impact for pets and livestock, if Mt. Spurr’s likely eruption happens in the coming weeks or months.
Creating recognizable value in the quality of life for both animals and owners alike.
