Pets Deserve Protection Too
In Anchorage, residents are taking the recent announcement of a potentially erupting volcano outside the city seriously. The city government has issued targeted warnings about the risks of ashfall to humans, but it has also reminded residents about the need to ensure the safety of their pets. This has prompted a run on pet protective equipment, including dog masks and eyewear.
- Pets like Iroh, a three-year-old dog, will need protection from the corrosive ashfall, which can irritate eyes and lungs.
- The ash can contain tiny jagged particles of rock and natural glass, making it essential for pets to wear protective gear.
- Residents are also advised to keep their pets indoors as much as possible and use booties to protect their paws from ash.
A Range of Protective Gear Available
Several pet stores in Anchorage have started stocking up on dog masks and eyewear to cater to the demand. One store, AK Bark, has sold over 500 pairs of dog goggles, priced locally at $85. The eyewear is not only a safety precaution but also a fashionable accessory, with some owners buying them for their dogs simply because they look nice.
| Pet Protective Equipment | Price |
|---|---|
| Rex Specs Dog Eyewear | $85 | Doggles Cheaper Eye Protection | $30-$50 |
Getting Your Dog Used to the Gear
To ensure a smooth transition to wearing a dog mask, owners need to get their pets used to it ahead of time. One store owner, Mark Robokoff, recommends using treat training protocol to help dogs get accustomed to the gear. Iroh, the three-year-old dog owned by Alliana Salanguit and Jesslin Wooliver, has been following a treat training protocol. He gets rewarded when the mask gets taken out, strapped on, and taken off.
“I searched ‘pink, dog goggles, small,’ and it was the top result,” said Salanguit. “Aren’t they darling?”
Volcanic Ashfall: A Threat to Human Health
The city government has specifically warned about the risks of ashfall to humans, particularly to the lungs of small children and those already suffering from respiratory problems. Ash can contain tiny jagged particles of rock and natural glass, making it essential for humans to wear protective gear as well.
Local Pet Store Stocks Up on Protective Gear
Mark Robokoff, owner of AK Bark, has presold 1,800 dog respirators. The store has received shipments of protective gear in sizes small, medium, and large. “It was an item that was occasionally sold,” Robokoff said. “Now, it’s a necessity.”
A Rewarding Experience for Pets
Salanguit and Wooliver, the dog owners, have been following a treat training protocol to help Iroh get used to wearing the mask. They have reported a positive experience, with Iroh happily crunching chunks of freeze-dried, wild Alaska salmon during the fitting. “We’re trying to just get him not to associate the goggles with, like, torture and pain, but more, like, treats,” said Wooliver.
Pet Protective Equipment: A Must-Have
In the event of a volcanic eruption, pet protective equipment is not just a luxury but a necessity. The city government has issued warnings about the risks of ashfall to humans, and it is essential for pet owners to take precautions to protect their pets. With a range of protective gear available, including dog masks and eyewear, there has never been a better time to prepare for the unpredictable.
The Importance of Early Preparation
Getting your dog used to wearing protective gear ahead of time is crucial. Treat training protocol can help dogs get accustomed to the gear, making the experience a rewarding one for both pet and owner. By following this approach, pet owners can ensure a smooth transition to wearing protective gear during a volcanic eruption.
