Eve is here. We thought our readers could take a break from the currently overwhelming commentary on the Trump aftermath and provide news that many people could use. Even if you don’t have a pet, this advice may be helpful if someone in your family does.
There is understandable controversy over the fact that pet ownership has a negative impact on climate change. There’s no easy answer to that. Such arguments could be made about children, the elderly, and the infirm. Where do we draw the line? Pets improve the physical and mental health of their owners and likely reduce medical costs and other resource demands.
Written by Daisy Simmons. It was first published in Yale University’s Climate Connection
Disasters can separate pets from their families and cause severe trauma for both pets and humans. (Photo Credit: Rian Johnson / CC BY-NC 2.0)
When Colorado veterinarian Colleen Duncan stepped outside recently, the air smelled like a campfire. Smoke from Wyoming’s wildfires drifted south, leaving pet owners worried and their pets’ eyes dry. This is just one example of how climate change will affect our animal friends.
From air pollution to heat waves to an expanded range of diseases, climate change poses multiple threats to pet health. Recognizing this growing concern, Duncan teamed up with Kristen Magnusson, a former veterinary school classmate, to Veterinary Sustainability Alliance As part of the nonprofit’s work to protect animals in a warming world, they identify climate risks that affect pets of all kinds, and, importantly, help owners protect their pets. We have identified the measures that should be taken.
Read about the main risks of climate change to pets and what you can do about it.
The main risks of climate change for pets
While some animals face greater risks than others, all pet owners should understand these five important impacts and the steps they can take to protect their pets.
extreme heat: meanwhile flat face dog Overweight animals also face the highest risk during heat waves, and just like humans, any pet can suffer from heat stress. Even a short walk on hot pavement can burn your paws, and cars can quickly become deadly in warm weather.
What you can do: As a rule of thumb, if you feel hot, consider that your pet probably feels even hotter. If you’re already taking steps to lower your pet’s body temperature, such as wearing light clothing, wearing a hat, and drinking cold water, that means your pet also needs interventions to lower their body temperature. If your pet has a fever, do the same thing you would do for a human. Give them water, take them to a cool place, and consider using cold compresses. Also, avoid walking if the sidewalk feels hot to your hands. Do not leave your pet in the car.
Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s specific signs of overheating. This includes panting, restlessness, seeking shade or water, possibly drooling, and red (rather than pink) gums and tongue.
That said, don’t wait for signs of heat stress to make sure your pet is at a safe temperature. If your pet becomes overheated, it is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.
Abnormal weather phenomena: Hurricanes, floods, and wildfires are threats to physical and mental health. These hazards can trap animals, seriously injure them, and cut off escape routes. Disasters can also separate pets from their families and cause severe trauma for both pets and humans. Since Hurricane Katrina, when many people refused to evacuate because they couldn’t find shelter that would accept their pets, federal law need This is an emergency shelter for animals, but preparation is important.
What you can do: Create an emergency plan that includes pets. Prepare the essentials (food, medicine, documents), make sure ID tags are up to date, know which shelters accept pets, and have an easily accessible carrier. For livestock, consider transportation needs such as trailers.
Air pollution: Although poor air quality affects all pets, cats are especially susceptible to asthma. In addition to wildfire smoke, climate change is intensifying other air pollutants. Longer warmer months increase pollen levels, and stagnant air traps particulate matter that can enter the bloodstream.
“Air pollution is no longer just a lung disease,” Duncan points out. “It actually causes cardiovascular disease and affects everything in your body.”
What you can do: Please check air quality index (AQI) before outdoor activities. Anything that is not safe for you is also dangerous for your pet. On days when air quality is poor, keep your pet indoors and limit its exercise. Watch for symptoms such as cough and eye irritation. Indoors, consider an indoor air purifier that benefits the respiratory health of humans and pets alike.
Water pollution: Harmful algal blooms are becoming more and more frequent. deadly For pets. These microorganisms can kill healthy dogs within hours of exposure, often before owners realize there is a problem. Blooms usually appear as a green, blue-green, or reddish scum on the surface of the water, but may also be present in water that appears clear. Unfortunately, many areas lack the resources to test all bodies of water, and you may not be able to see the blooms from where you are standing.
What you can do: Check water quality before letting your pet swim, especially during warmer months when blooms have been reported in large local waterways. Contact your local public health agency for water monitoring programs and proactive recommendations. Keep your pet away from standing water, especially if the water looks green or has a film on the surface.
Spread of disease: Climate change is not only pushing tick and mosquito populations northward, but also causing population explosions in existing habitats and lengthening the active seasons of these pests. Ticks, which once died in the winter, now survive year-round in many regions, while mosquitoes breed in newly formed wetlands after extreme weather events. More ticks means more Lyme diseasewhile increasing mosquito The activity causes filariasis to spread throughout North America. As temperatures rise, carriers of these diseases have a longer infectious season.
What you can do: Prevents parasites and vector-borne diseases year-round. Check your pet for ticks after outdoor activities, even in seasons or areas where you haven’t seen them before. Talk to your veterinarian about protection options tailored to the risks specific to your area.
When the threat of climate change increases
Climate risks vary by region. The most important thing about coastal Florida is that it’s different from the urban areas of mountainous Colorado or New York. But no matter where you go, there are impacts, and those impacts are cumulative.
“Climate change means death by a thousand blows for animals. They are not experiencing these things in isolation,” Duncan said.
For example, heatwaves often occur at the same time as poor air quality and algae blooms, creating compounding risks. Frequent severe storms can not only threaten your physical safety, but can also cause anxiety and behavioral changes in your pet.
The American Animal Hospital Association recommends designating a full-time veterinary clinic. indoor safe space Equipped with calming aids to help your pet evacuate during a storm. This is also useful when multiple environmental threats overlap.
“Climate change is an animal welfare issue,” Duncan said. “Many animals rely on humans to protect them, but all the climate effects that affect humans also affect their ability to care for humans.”
Fortunately, staying informed and prepared can make a big difference in protecting your pet from these growing challenges.
Take action for your pet’s health
Understanding climate risks is the first step to protecting our animal friends in a warming world. Veterinarians are your best partners in this endeavor. Incorporate climate change preparedness into your annual visit and discuss pet-specific risk factors. If your veterinarian isn’t already talking about climate impacts, your questions can help spark important conversations about the relationship between climate change and animal health.
You can also help future generations of pets by reducing the climate impact of pet care itself. For example, you can choose pet food options with a lower carbon footprint, such as: cricket based dog food. Mr. Magnusson said: By sharing what we know as veterinarians, we can motivate people to do what’s best for animals. ”
