STORM SAFETY WITH PETS

Whilst Cyclone Alfred may have been downgraded to a tropical low, it is important to remember that severe storms can be extremely dangerous and cause destruction to the environment and nearby infrastructure. During these stressful times, it is important to also prepare and take immediate steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your pets, follow advice from organisations such as RSPCA NSW and RSPCA QLD, and watch out for the following dangers:

Snakes🐍: Like other residents in the path of a major storm, snakes become displaced. As a result, they may seek shelter and food inside houses, storage sheds, barns, and other buildings. Damaged structures can be more accessible to snakes and flood waters may allow some snakes to swim or be deposited indoors. Displaced snakes may also be found under or in storm debris or in debris piles.

Torches/Batteries🔦: Whilst torches and batteries are essential for your storm emergency kit, the majority of household torches contain AA and AAA batteries which contain a highly alkali electrolyte paste. Pets that chew on or ingest these batteries can be at risk of severe burns to their gastrointestinal tract. Ensure they are stored in a place that your pets cannot reach or access.

Pufferfish 🐡: It is anticipated that many marine animals including pufferfish will be washed onto shore following Cyclone Alfred. Most pufferfish are toxic when ingested. They contain a highly potent neurotoxin known as tetrodotoxin in their organs and skin. Pufferfish ingestion can be life-threatening and result in a rapid onset of paralysis.

Portable BBQ Canisters🔥: These typically hold hydrocarbons such as butane or propane. When the outer casing is chewed on and punctured, the hydrocarbon liquid will rapidly expand into a gas. This can result in thermal injury to the mouth and potentially throat due to the low temperatures. Inhalation of large amounts of hydrocarbons can also potentially affect the electrical activity of the heart.

Bluebottles🪼: Bluebottles are often washed onto the beach after strong winds. In some instances, certain shorelines will be covered with hundreds of bluebottles which can retain the ability to sting after washing ashore. Dogs that ingest bluebottles may be stung in the mouth and throat. These stings are immediately painful and affected dogs may drool or vomit. Stings may result in local swelling in the mouth and throat and rarely this may lead to breathing difficulties. Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis are possible.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️ 1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ) , 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917-722-5958 (CAN). If you are a member of a veterinary team you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends.