How to protect your pets from volcanic ash if Mount Spurr erupts
As an eruption of Mount Spurr remains likely, veterinarians recommend protecting your pets from ashfall.
The most common health concerns associated with ashfall are skin, eye and respiratory irritation. Sarah Coburn, Alaska’s state veterinarian, says protecting your pets from ash looks similar to protecting yourself.
“So, at a basic level, it’s a lot of the same things that are being recommended for people,” Coburn said. “So, staying indoors as much as possible, particularly during that initial ashfall, and just limiting that outdoor time where you might have more chance of breathing in ash or material.”
Coburn recommends keeping pets on a leash or under a covered space when bringing them outside. She also suggests brushing their fur before bringing them inside if ash gets on their skin. Pet jackets and foot booties can provide a protective layer against ash.
By Hunter Morrison
Image by HANSUAN FABREGAS from Pixabay