RADIATION

In recent days, we have received many calls asking us to advise on the need to protect animals during possible radioactive exposure. We have made a summarizing article on protecting pets from radiation damage.

Here are the main actions to be taken in case of a radiation hazard signal:

1. Immediately take shelter

1. Any NEAR by closed building where you can close the windows and doors tightly will do
2. If there is a closed basement and/or bomb shelter, it is better to use it
3. Transport is NOT a safe place of shelter, as it provides very poor protection against radiation
4. Take your pets with you if possible. Remember: the next 24 hours on the street and in unprotected buildings are the most dangerous
5. It is recommended to move away from external walls and doors
6. If possible, turn off fans, air conditioners, and forced-air heaters coming from outside. Close fireplace dampers.
2. Perform decontamination

1. Take off the clothes you wore outside
2. Wash the animal thoroughly in the shower with shampoo or soap
3. While washing, wear waterproof gloves and protect your respiratory system (respirator, medical mask, if not, cover your respiratory system with a cloth)
4. Avoid cuts and scratches (both on yourself and the animal) to reduce radiation penetration.

5. If there are wounds, cuts and scratches, treat them with antiseptics. Cover wounds and scratches with a band-aid or any waterproof material when washing off radioactive material from the animal's fur and skin
6. Wash your hands and face after washing the animals
3. food for animals

1. Remember that only food that has been closed (in canned food, bottles, boxes, zip bags) is safe
2. Before opening a container of food, wipe it with a damp cloth or clean towel; also wipe the bowls and mats for animals
3. Place the used wipes or towel in a plastic bag or other resealable container. Place the bag out of the reach of others, away from people and animals.
4. Water.

1. Only use bottled water for drinking.
2. Important: tap water may be radioactively contaminated, so drinking it is prohibited until official permission is granted by the state authorities. At the same time, this water can be used to decontaminate the skin of people and animals, because the concentration of radioactive substances is low
3. The water that was in a boiler or toilet tank at the time of the radiation release is free of radioactive substances
4. Boiling water does NOT reduce its contamination with radionuclides!
5.Organization of a toilet for pets

1. Any outdoor activity of people and animals in the first 24 hours after the release of radiation and/or before the official permission of the state authorities is prohibited! This may lead to contamination with radioactive substances. Therefore, it is necessary to organize a toilet for animals in the building
2. Toilet litter (if it was already in the building at the time of the radiation release) and/or paper (newspapers, books) can be used as an adsorbing material.
3. Physiological excretions of an animal that has received radioactive radiation may contain residual doses of radioactive substances! Therefore, after the act of urination and/or defecation by animals, it is necessary to change the adsorbent as soon as possible, using gloves and protecting respiratory organs.
4. Place the used gloves and adsorbent material in a plastic bag or other resealable container. Place the bag out of the reach of others, away from people and animals.6. Administer iodine to animals

Despite the history of nuclear power plant disasters in Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima, Japan (2011) and the availability of iodine intake recommendations for humans, there are still no international protocols for iodine prophylaxis in pets. However, given the scientific evidence, we ask you to familiarize yourself with the following facts:

1. Potassium iodide can reduce the effect of radiation ONLY on the thyroid gland. This drug is not able to reduce the radioactive effect on other organs.
2. Potassium iodide does NOT provide 100% protection against radioactive iodine to either humans or animals.
3. Potassium iodide has the greatest effect when consumed BEFORE the moment of radioactive fallout or within a short time after (within 4 hours).
4. Radiation has the most serious effect on young animals in the stage of active growth
5. Potassium iodide can lead to side effects such as allergic reactions, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, heart damage. In high doses, this drug can cause death.
6. Repeated intake of Potassium Iodide after 24 hours is possible ONLY after an official statement by the authorities.  If the authorities recommend a repeat dose of iodine for humans, you can repeat the administration to the animal.

Thus, based on the results of our research, we can provide the following recommendations for the use of Potassium Iodide for pets if:

1. There is an official alert from the authorities on iodine prophylaxis in humans (if possible, obtain such an alert)
2. The animal was or is in the area of radiation exposure
3. No more than 4 hours have passed since the arrival of the radioactive cloud
4. The age of animals is: for small and medium-sized dogs and cats - up to 10 years; for large and giant dogs - up to 7 years.

Dosage. Potassium iodide in tablets in a dosage of 250 mg:

1. Large breed dogs: ½ - 1 tablet per day
2. Medium-sized dogs: ¼ - ½ tablet per day
3. Cats and small dogs: ⅛ - ¼ tablet per day

Important: the use of an alcohol solution of iodine or Lugol's solution is ineffective and will only cause harm!

Given the significant side effects, we do NOT recommend prophylactic administration of iodine if there is only a possibility of radiation exposure.

If your pet has burns, nausea, or vomiting shortly after exposure, try to take your pet to a veterinary clinic as soon as it is safe to leave the building. These may be signs of radiation sickness.

Keep this recommendation in quick access.

We hope that you and your pets will never need these recommendations. Take care of yourself!