Tips

8 Tips for How to Keep Your Dogs Safe During Wildfires

dogs and wildfires
Written by Nicole Etolen

Wildfires are becoming an increasingly common threat in many parts of the world, posing significant risks not only to humans but also to our beloved pets. The intense heat, smoke, and ash from wildfires can severely impact your dog’s health. As a responsible pet owner, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to ensure your dog stays safe and healthy during such events.

In this blog post, we’ll explore actionable tips to help keep your dog safe during wildfires, including having a good emergency plan, staying inside as much as possible, using a high-quality indoor air purifier to protect them from harmful smoke particles, and more.

FYI, this post includes affiliate links. If you buy anything through these links, TechnoBark earns a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

1. Have an Emergency Plan in Place

Preparation is key to ensuring the safety of your dog during a wildfire. Create an emergency plan that includes:

  • Evacuation Routes: Identify safe routes out of your area and plan how you’ll transport your dog. Ensure your dog is familiar with car rides to reduce stress during an emergency.
  • Emergency Kit: Assemble a pet emergency kit that includes food, water, a leash, a good GPS tracking collar (in case you get separated), a blanket, and any necessary medications. Include a copy of your dog’s medical records and a recent photo in case you get separated.
  • Safe Haven: Know the location of pet-friendly shelters, hotels, or friends’ homes where you can stay in case of evacuation.
Our Favorite Dog GPS Collar
Halo Collar 4 GPS Wireless Dog Fence

Marketed as the most accurate dog fence ever created, the Halo Collar 4 GPS Dog Fence allows users to create, edit and store unlimited-sized fences, starting at 30 x 30 feet, and is now compatible with smaller dogs (neck sizes ranging from 8-30.5". While the invisible fence features help prevent dogs from leaving the yard in the first place, the almost-pin-point accurate GPS tracking features help owners find lost dogs quickly. Last, but far from least, the Halo Collar also has amazing dog training features AND acts as an activity monitor.


Top Features: 

  • 30-hour battery life 
  • Dual-frequency GPS
  • Active GPS Antenna
  • Real-time tracking
  • All-carrier cellular coverage worldwide. 



DEAL ALERT: Happy Halo-Ween! From 10/26-11/3 save $155 when you order through our link!
*The Halo Collar 4 debuted at $100 cheaper than the 3 ($599 vs $699). If you use our exclusive discount link, you’ll save another $25. Plus, from 10/26-11/3 save another $30 on top of that!

2. Keep Your Dog Indoors as Much as Possible

How To Keep Your Dogs Safe During Wildfires: Keep them Indoors

During a wildfire, the air quality outside can become extremely hazardous. Smoke and ash contain fine particles that can cause respiratory issues for your dog.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, an air quality index (AQI) above 150 is considered unhealthy and can contribute to asthma, bronchitis, and other lung diseases in both dogs and humans.

During wildfires, the AQI can soar to levels between 300 and 500, making the air extremely hazardous and posing serious health risks to everyone in your household, including your pets.

To minimize exposure:

  • Limit Outdoor Time: Only allow your dog outside for quick bathroom breaks. Avoid walks or outdoor playtime until the air quality improves.
  • Create a Safe Space Indoors: Choose a room in your home where your dog feels comfortable and can be confined safely. Make sure this room has limited exposure to outside air.
  • Use Toys for Distraction: Provide Fido with some great interactive dog toys (like the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher, which works just as well indoors as it does outside) to keep him mentally stimulated and distracted from the stress of being confined indoors.
Our Favorite Indoor Ball Launcher
PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher

For the dog who loves fetch, gift him the toy that he’s sure to have a ball playing with — literally. The Automatic Ball Launcher is an automatic, interactive game of fetch that will keep your best friend engaged and give your arm a little break.


We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

3. Use a High-Quality Indoor Air Purifier

One of the best ways to protect your dog from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke is by using an indoor air purifier. Air purifiers help remove smoke particles, allergens, and other pollutants from the air, making the indoor environment safer for both you and your dog.

  • Choose the Right Air Purifier: Opt for a high-quality air purifier like the Molekule, which is designed to capture and destroy pollutants at the molecular level. Molekule air purifiers use PECO technology to eliminate harmful particles that can exacerbate respiratory conditions.
  • Placement Matters: Place the air purifier in the room where your dog spends most of their time to maximize its effectiveness.
  • Regular Maintenance: Ensure that you regularly replace filters and maintain the air purifier according to the manufacturer’s instructions to keep it functioning optimally.
Our Favorite Air Purifier
Molekule Air Pro Purifier | FDA-Cleared Air Purifier for Large Spaces
  • Designed with PECO technology and a true HEPA 99.97% particle-capture efficiency rate.
  • Features an advanced PECO-HEPA Tri-Power filter that combines PECO technology, HEPA efficiency, and carbon filtration to eliminate viruses, bacteria, mold, allergens, VOCs, odors, and toxic gases.
  • Equipped with expanded air history stats, two Auto Protect modes, and app-enabled functionality for convenient monitoring and control.
  • The revolutionary PECO technology not only captures but also molecularly destroys organic pollutants, converting harmful pathogens and VOCs into harmless substances like carbon dioxide and water vapor.
  • Ideal for allergy sufferers, the Air Pro removes common airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores, providing relief from allergy symptoms with its proven ability to capture 95% of airborne allergens.
Check Price on Molekule
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

4. Monitor Your Dog’s Health Closely

Dogs can be affected by smoke inhalation in the same way humans can, and their symptoms may not always be immediately obvious. It’s important to monitor your dog for signs of smoke inhalation or stress, such as:

  • Coughing or Wheezing: Persistent coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing can be signs of respiratory distress.
  • Eye Irritation: Red or watery eyes may indicate exposure to smoke.
  • Lethargy or Fatigue: If your dog seems unusually tired or is reluctant to move, this could be a sign of smoke inhalation or heat stress.
  • Vomiting or Loss of Appetite: These symptoms may indicate more severe exposure and should be addressed immediately.

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away for advice and treatment options.

5. Ensure Proper Hydration

Wildfires and high temperatures can lead to dehydration, which is particularly dangerous for dogs. Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water, especially if they’re panting more than usual due to stress or smoke exposure.

  • Keep Multiple Water Sources: Place water bowls in several locations around your home to encourage your dog to drink more. Better yet, use an automatic water fountain to ensure that Fido always has fresh water.
  • Add Electrolytes: Consider adding pet-safe electrolyte solutions to your dog’s water to help maintain hydration, especially during times of stress.
Our Favorite Water Fountain
PetSafe Outlast Pumpless Cat Water Fountain, White, 90-oz
  • A groundbreaking pet hydration solution with a unique pump-free design for uninterrupted water flow
  • Features HydroSpin™ technology with a patented cone mechanism, cycling 90 oz of water into your cat’s drinking bowl
  • Easy to assemble, dishwasher-safe, and pump-free, ensuring more quality time with your pet


We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

6. Have a Plan for Evacuation

While there’s a lot of crossover between the two, an evacuation plan is a bit different from the general emergency plan we talked about above. Emergency plans are for when you have to leave your house with little to no notice. While evacuations can fall under that, generally you do have a bit more notice.

If evacuation becomes necessary, your dog’s safety should be a top priority. Ensure you have a clear plan that includes:

  • Transport Safety: Use a sturdy, comfortable crate or carrier for smaller dogs, and ensure larger dogs are secured with a harness or pet seatbelt in the car.
  • Identify Safe Locations: Know where you can go with your dog, whether it’s a pet-friendly hotel, a friend’s house, or a designated shelter.
  • Keep Identification Updated: Ensure your dog’s collar has up-to-date ID tags and consider microchipping as an added layer of security in case you get separated.

7. Know Your Dog’s Limits

Some dogs are more vulnerable to the effects of smoke and heat than others. Dogs with short noses (brachycephalic breeds like Pugs or Bulldogs), older dogs, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions are at higher risk.

  • Consult Your Vet: If you know a wildfire is approaching, consult your veterinarian about any additional precautions you should take based on your dog’s health.
  • Minimize Stress: Keep your dog as calm as possible. Use calming treats or sprays if necessary and avoid any activities that could increase their stress levels during this time.
Our Favorite Calming Treats
Hemp & Hips Plus CBD

The popular Hemp & Hips dog treat from Veterinary Naturals now comes in a CBD version! Hemp & Hips Plus CBD combines everything customers love about the original variety but now with C10 CBD.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

8. Stay Informed and Prepared

Wildfires can spread quickly, and conditions can change in an instant. Stay informed about the status of nearby wildfires by monitoring local news and weather reports.

Sign up for emergency alerts in your area, so you’re aware of any evacuation orders or changes in air quality.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your dog safe during a wildfire requires preparation, vigilance, and a proactive approach. By following these actionable tips, you can help protect your furry friend from the dangers of smoke, ash, and heat.

Your dog relies on you for safety and comfort, especially during emergencies. By taking the right precautions, you can ensure that your canine companion remains healthy and safe even in the most challenging situations.

Author

  • Nicole Etolen

    Hi there! I'm Nicole! I've been a dog owner for most of my adult life and a dog lover for much longer than that. I grew up with a wonderful German Shepherd named Jake, who I loved SO much that I named my son after him. When I'm not writing for DogVills or my own site, Pretty Opinionated , I love spending time with my teenager (when he actually lets me), my Pharaoh Hound Freya, and my two cats (Zoe & Alex the Fuzz). I'm also an avid reader AND a total TV fanatic. If you'd like to learn more about me, feel free to check out my Linked In profile.

    View all posts

Leave a Comment