Here is a wildfire safety tip for those of you with animal-people companions.

Preparation is important for everyone’s sake. Here is a wildfire safety tip for those of you with animal-people companions. Smoke and ash are just as detrimental to animal-people as humans; therefore, your animal friends should be kept inside as much as possible if there are current or recent fires nearby. Train your canine-family to go to the bathroom on absorptive pads or litter boxes indoors. If you have to go outside you can buy doggles (doggie goggles) for them to wear to prevent irritants from getting into their eyes and canine masks to decrease the amount of smoke and inhaled irritants. When you return home clean off their paws with baby wipes or a wet washcloth to keep them from licking soot off of their feet. Be prepared for an evacuation by packing a “go bag” for your animal-friends. Include food, bowls for food and water, a well-fitting harness, leash and collar containing a name tag with current contact information. Round up all your animal-companion’s medications and recent medical records, and gather several recent photos of them, which will be helpful in the event you become separated. Always transport your feline-folk and small animal friends such as guinea pig- and bunny-people in suitable carriers. Stay safe!