While most of the world is still watching efforts to contain and clean up the BP Gulf oil spill, Michigan residents are watching a disaster on their own shores. An oil pipeline near Marshall sprung a leak earlier in the week, dumping over 1 million gallons of crude oil into the Talmadge Creek and through it into the Kalamazoo River. Concerns are that the oil will travel the 80 miles to Lake Michigan, and from there infiltrate other waterways, including the Detroit River.
How the oil spill affects area dogs
On Tuesday, July 27 Kalamazoo County, Calhoun County and Governor Jennifer Granholm declared a state of emergency for the area, and advised residents to immediately cease contact with water from the Kalamazoo River and Talmadge Creek. Pet owners in the affected areas should ensure their animals do not swim in or drink from these bodies of water.
Kalamazoo County also advised residents to avoid spending time in the immediate river area as much as possible. Dog owners should avoid the parks around the river, and cease walking their dogs along river trails. Air quality may be compromised, and dogs are usually more sensitive than their owners. Residents whose dogs exhibit vomiting, diarrhea or difficulty breathing should contact their veterinarians about a possible relation to the oil spill. Moving the dog to an area where the air is not affected should help alleviate the symptoms.
Municipal drinking water is not thought to be affected by the oil spill at this time. Shallow wells are at greater risk of contamination; residents with these wells might consider using bottled water for themselves and their pets. Water from the Kalamazoo River and Talmadge Creek should not be used to water lawns, plants or any animals at this time.
Evacuating with dogs
The Battle Creek Enquirer reported on Thursday, July 29 that the Calhoun County Department of Health and the Michigan Department of Community Health suggested voluntary evacuation of a number of homes nearby the original oil spill site. Enbridge, the company responsible for the oil spill, will pay for hotel rooms for these residents, and the county is working with area shelters to take in pets. If the spill continues to spread, it is possible that more evacuations will be necessary.
Dog owners in potential evacuations areas can take some steps to prepare for an evacuation:
- Arrange for friends and family outside of the area to take in dogs during the evacuation period. Many hotels and emergency shelters do not allow pets.
- Create a pet disaster kit that includes several days' worth of dog food and water in airtight, leak-proof containers; pet first aid supplies; copies of important papers and medical information; and any medications the dog is taking.
- Keep the dog's collar and leash and a spare crate or carrier in an easily-accessible, central area.
An evacuation due to the Enbridge oil spill will probably not be an emergency situation, but having everything at hand before it's needed will save time and stress if evacuation does become necessary.
For more information
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for veterinary care.
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