Pet owners need to prepare pet supplies and pets for possible emergencies

Submitted by Best Friends Animal Society

LOS ANGELES – National Pet Fire Safety Day, July 15, fell during the peak of wildfire season and serves as a great reminder for pet fire safety – whether due to an outdoor fire or house fire.

Best Friends Animal Society, an animal welfare organization

working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters by 2025, has

the below tips to help pet owners take precautions to be as prepared as

possible in case disaster strikes.

Sound the Alarm: Make sure you have a working fire alarm in your home. Be sure to use the test feature and check batteries regularly.

Curb Curiosity: Pets are curious creatures, and that curiosity can cause fires. Pet proofing your home by keeping electrical equipment out of reach and using door knob covers can save lives.

Let People Know Pets Live There: Put a pet alert sticker on each entrance of your home that lets first responders know that you have a pet inside. It's important to mark and keep the number of animals inside your house updated as it will save rescuers time when locating your pets.

Keep Tags and Microchips Up-to-Date: In the event that you and your pet

get separated, having up-to-date identification tags and microchips can help you and your pet be reunited as soon as possible.

Wildfires can displace communities for extended periods of time. Pet owners should have a bag of basic supplies ready in case emergency evacuation is necessary. It should include the following:

• A seven-to-ten day supply of wet and/or dry food (and water, if possible)

• Your pet's toys and/or treats

An extra supply of any necessary medications (as veterinary care may not be readily available in a crisis)

• A list of your pet's medical needs, medicines taken (including dosing/frequency), as well as veterinary contact information

• Copies of current vaccination records

A collar with a current ID tag or microchip, which includes your cell phone number

• A crate labeled with your pet's name and your contact information (use masking tape and a permanent marker.) Consider placing your well-worn sweater or sweatshirt inside the crate so that your pet travels more comfortably inside surrounded by a familiar scent around.

• Extra poop bags

For cats, a small bag of litter and litter pan

• Blanket

• Towels

• Bowls

• Can opener and spoon

Fires of any nature are devastating and losing a pet would only add to that devastation, said Dr. Erin Katribe, medical director at Best Friends Animal Society. The doctor said symptoms of smoke inhalation can start anytime in the first 72 hours.

"The most common clinical signs of dogs and cats that have experienced smoke inhalation injury are coughing or difficulty breathing due to damage to the respiratory tract," warns Dr. Katribe.

"Any respiratory distress is a true emergency and any pet experiencing labored breathing should be evaluated by a vet immediately. Other clinical signs related to smoke exposure include neurological signs (seizures, depression, stumbling) and cherry red gums and tongue. Clinical signs may be delayed, so monitor closely any pets exposed to wildfires or housefires following exposure."