Helping Pets Cope with Anxiety During Wildfire Season
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Wildfire season can quickly turn a calm home into a stressful place. Smoke alters the air's smell, and sirens, helicopters, alerts, packed bags, and tense voices can unsettle pets before an evacuation order arrives.
Pets all have their own ways of reacting: some might hide, pace around, pant, make noise, stop eating, cling to you, or try to escape. Their anxiety comes from both the physical discomfort of the smoke and heat, as well as the stress from sudden changes and travel.
Planning can make the situation safer and less frightening for everyone, including pets.
⚠️ Watch for early signs of stress
Pets often show anxiety through small behaviour changes before they reach panic. Spotting those early signs gives you time to respond before a stressful event becomes a crisis.
Common signs of anxiety in pets include:
Hiding or refusing to come out
Pacing, trembling, panting, or drooling
Clinginess or sudden withdrawal
Barking, whining, meowing, or other repeated vocalizing
Loss of appetite
Toileting accidents
Chewing, scratching, or other destructive behaviour
Attempts to bolt through doors or windows
Cats may flatten their bodies, tuck their tails, hide under furniture. Dogs may follow their people from room to room, refuse to settle, or react strongly to outdoor noises.
Smoke can also cause physical irritation. Watch for coughing, laboured breathing, watery eyes, weakness, or unusual fatigue.
We have a previous blog for details about how smoke can affect our pets
Our articles are for general information and do not replace veterinary care.
🗓️ Stick to routine as much as possible
Pets depend on routines, which can be disrupted during wildfire season by closed windows, bags being packed, canceled walks, visitors, or things being moved around the home.
Try to protect the basics:
Feed meals at the usual times
Keep water bowls full and in their regular spots
Maintain litter box, cage, or bedding routines
Use indoor enrichment when outdoor time is unsafe
For dogs, a short indoor training session, food puzzle, or scent game can help burn nervous energy without exposing them to smoke. For cats, use wand toys, treat hunts, scratching posts, or gentle brushing if they enjoy it.
When routines must change, keep your voice calm and your movements steady. Pets read body language closely. A rushed, anxious household can make them feel that danger is immediate, even when you are only preparing.
🚭 Create a calm, smoke-reduced safe space
A safe space provides a predictable retreat for a pet, ideally away from doorways, loud appliances, and heavy foot traffic. Opt for an interior room, especially during heavy smoke.
A good pet safe space may include:
A bed, blanket, crate, carrier, or hide box
Fresh water
Favourite toys or chew items
A litter box or pee pad if needed
Low lighting
Soft background noise, such as a fan or quiet music
Familiar scents from home
For cats, hiding is a coping mechanism, not misbehavior. Offer safe hiding spots instead of forcing them out. For dogs, use a crate if they already find it comfortable. If a dog has never used a crate, wildfire season is not the time to shut them inside and hope they adjust.
Keep windows and doors closed when smoke is present. If there is an air purifier, place it where pets spend the most time, and make sure cords are safely out of reach.
Avoid punishing anxious behaviour. Scolding a frightened pet usually increases fear.
🚗 Prepare pets for carriers, vehicles, and evacuation
Ensure you know where their crates, leashes, and other transport necessities are and pull them out early. Keep their collars or harnesses on at all times. Many pets want to run and hide when frightened, make sure they have their IDs on in case they manage to slip away.
Evacuations are challenging when pets associate carriers or vehicles with panic. Practicing beforehand can reduce stress and save time.
Integrate the carrier into daily life by leaving it open with a soft blanket and placing treats, toys, or meals near and inside it. Allow pets to explore without pressure. This is especially helpful for cats during quick departures.
For dogs, practice short car trips to enjoyable destinations like the park, grandmas house, or pet stores. Using a secure crate, harness, or barrier.
We also have a previous blog with helpful tips for preparing your home and supplies
🔥 Reduce stress during an actual evacuation
Pets do best when people act clearly and calmly.
Move pets into carriers or secure them before opening exterior doors. Keep dogs leashed, even if they normally have strong recall.
In the vehicle, keep carriers secured and do not allow pets to roam freely. Avoid opening carriers or kennels in the vehicle. A frightened pet can escape in seconds.
At a hotel, shelter, friend’s home, or temporary rental, set up a small pet area or room right away. Use familiar bedding and keep food, water, and toileting areas easy to find. Give pets time to adjust before allowing them to explore.
Some pets may not eat much at first. Offer food at regular times, but do not force it.
🩺 How the vet can help
If you expect your pet will be anxious or if you know they get car sick, there are different pharmaceuticals we can send home to help take the edge off for them. ♡
Gabapentin and trazodone are safe and common anti-anxiety medications that many pets take regularly, not just for times like this. Likewise, many pets experience motion sickness and something like cerenia can help both cats and dogs settle in vehicles.
We've posted a guide about 'gaba' and 'traz' to help you make an informed decision
Try to talk to your vet ahead of time. Last minute prescription refills aren't always successful. You may not have time to make a stop or your vet may not be open or able to fill it in time.
This is a nice quick video showing how to get anxious pets into their carriers!
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