Supporting Dogs in the California Wildfires
The absolute tragedy of the wildfire in California has shaken everyone, especially those with friends and family who have been affected. Several of my friends have lost everything, escaping with the clothes on their backs, a few things they could grab, and luckily their dogs. While they are trying to figure out the most basic parts of survival — food, water, a roof over their heads — they are also concerned about their dogs and how best to help them cope with this disaster.
Most of my people feed their dogs fresh food, meaning lightly cooked or raw, DIY or commercial. Now they are dealing with supply shortages, lack of refrigeration, and lack of availability of commercial
“defrost and serve” products. Obviously they don’t want to feed kibble, but in many cases they will have no choice. There is no shame in this! Fortunately there are ways to make kibble better, as well as other food hacks, that can help offset the disadvantages of kibble and similar ultraprocessed food.
The worries about smoke and chemical exposure, to both humans and dogs, are very real. And these chemicals will be in the environment for some time to come. Whether released by the burning of buildings and their contents, or from fire retardents, the risk is very real. Especially when you consider that dogs ill be breathing these substances in, and licking them off their coats and feet. Bathe your dog in water way possible to remove as many smoke particles and chemical residues.
Below are list of products with Amazon links for those who cannot find them locally, or who want more info about the products before purchasing. I am intentionally keeping this list as simple as possible, as many people are viewing on their cell phones, having lost their laptops or desktops. This is intended as a starting place for the otherwise healthy dog. Be sure to reach out to your veterinarian if your dog has any health conditions to be sure a given product is safe for your dog.
Foods:
- Honest Kitchen dehydrated foods — human quality ingredients, add warm water before serving. Available in a variety of meat flavors, with and without grains
- Bixbi Canned Dog food Available in a variety of meat flavors in cases of 12 cans
- Open Farm Dog Stew, Available in a variety of meat flavors
Add these to kibble to get an infusion of fresh food nutrients
- Any green veggie your dog will eat, finely chopped or steamed/sauteed if you can. Brocolli, spinach, zucchonia, kale, etc. Sprouts are also great if you should see them.
- Fresh fruits or berries
- Canned sardines, in water or olive oil Don’t worry if they are not salt free — dogs generally do not have salt issues, and you are adding these as a topper, not as a full meal. Canned tuna is also an option, again in water or olive oil.
- A raw or soft boiled egg — high quality protein in a small package!
Supplements
- Liver Support, to support the liver as it filters out toxins. Use per label directions.
- Glutathione for detox support. Give 2 – 4 mg per pound twice a day, on an empty stomach. Capsule form. For smaller dogs consider a liquid form.
- Probiotics, ideal to support dogs who are undergoing a diet change or stress. Flavorless powder, small and large sizes available
- Diarrhea and digestion support. Oleo carrot pellets are concentrated and effective is supporting better stools and digestion, especially during times of stress.
I will be adding to this list, new challenges for the affected dogs and their people crop up. Be sure to consult your veterinarian or local emergency clinic is there is any doubt or if your dog’s condition worses.