Pets could be in for rough spring

If the version of spring you imagine includes frolicking with the pooch on balmy days with fresh green sprigs of grass under paw and the smell of new blossoms drifting on light breezes, don’t hold your breath.

Today marks the first official day of spring, and if predictions hold true, it will be a doozy.

Replace balmy with hot and dry, floral fragrances with grit and dust, and light breezes with gusts that send billboards flying, and you’re a little closer to spring on the Eastern Plains.

Which means outdoor activities — especially those enjoyed with the critters — are routinely impacted by weather and this year is no exception.

March through April are the windy season in New Mexico and the Eastern Plains, according to Todd Shoemake, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque.

This year, in addition to an abundance of wind, there’s a serious moisture deficit, which makes for miserable and potentially dangerous conditions.

“Unfortunately there’s probably going to be more (wind) than precipitation. The dry conditions have been persisting and there’s nothing to keep the dust down,” Shoemake said.

Thus far, active weather systems that have passed through the area have brought wind, but no rain to spur plant growth and the future isn’t looking much more promising as the region experiences a La Nina pattern associated with dry weather, according to Shoemake.

Not only will spring months bring unpleasant wind when coupled with dry brush surrounding the region, fire becomes a real threat.

“We had a fairly wet summer, then it’s been dry since October,” he said. “Everything’s dry and that’s a lot of dead fuel, so combine that with strong winds and low humidity … it’s a pretty good recipe for critical fire weather.”

Toward the end of spring when the La Nina pattern ends, things could turn around but there is no guarantee, Shoemake said, and it’s too early to predict what summer will bring.

In the meantime, there are things that can help reduce the impact of the environment on pets this spring.

• Stay inside — Attempting to walk or spend time outdoors in high wind is bad enough for humans who at least have the option of covering their faces. For pets, however, the debris and grit carried by the wind gets into their eyes, ears and airways, which beyond causing irritation and misery, can lead to infection and other issues. Watch weather forecasts and plan outdoor activities accordingly.

• Shelter — The wind can dehydrate, chill and cause respiratory and other issues. Make sure outdoor animals have a place where they can duck out of the wind and find comfort. Also provide cover for food and water dishes to prevent them filling with dirt and sand.

• Inspect — Strong winds, particularly persistent ones, can weaken, damage or even move structures. Throughout the season, check to be sure dog houses are securely anchored, inspect fences and gates and repair any issues.

• Identification — If a pet becomes frightened and runs away or a fence blows down, making sure pets are wearing identification or are microchipped is one of the best ways to find them.

• Plan — Because of the high risk of fire this season, “just kind of have a plan and be prepared to evacuate,” Shoemake said. Have things such as leashes, crates, trailers for larger animals and food and water where they can be quickly mobilized in an emergency.

With luck there’s rain and beautiful days ahead, but in the meantime, the best thing to do is hunker down with the critters and wait for it to blow over.

Sharna Johnson is always searching for ponies. Contact her at: [email protected]