Calaveras veterinarians urge pet emergency plans; outline heat, cold, snake and evacuation tips

On Be Prepared Calaveras, host Martha Rubin spoke with Dr. Brookley Schamberg Onido, a veterinarian at Angels Camp Veterinary Hospital, and veterinary technician Emily Wernick about how Calaveras County residents can keep pets and large animals safe during emergencies.

The discussion focused on practical steps owners should take before and during evacuations, how to recognize and respond to heat‑related illness, precautions for cold weather and water activities, and ways to prevent rattlesnake bites and parasite infestations.

Veterinarians emphasized that planning ahead is the single most important action owners can take. Dr. Brookley Schamberg Onido said, "The most important thing is that you get on the road and get going to the vet." Emily Wernick said, "You should seek immediate emergency care," when animals show severe heat‑illness signs.

Clinic staff recommended assembling a pet “go bag” with food, water, medications and medical records and keeping identification current: collars and tags for dogs and cats and visible external identification for large animals. Staff noted that some horses and goats can be microchipped, but external ID (tags, tied markers or temporary markings) is commonly used during rapid evacuations.

For heat illness, the veterinarians listed three common signs — lethargy, excessive panting and vomiting — and advised owners to move animals to cooler air, apply lukewarm, damp towels (not ice water) to feet, armpits and bellies, and drive immediately to a veterinarian or an emergency clinic. For cold or frostbite concerns, they recommended insulated shelter or heated kennels, protective booties for paws on snowy hikes, and gradual warming rather than sudden hot water so as not to worsen injury.

Large‑animal advice included keeping trailers and equipment ready, getting horses and livestock accustomed to loading, and using corrals or chutes for cattle. If time is short and animals are turned loose, staff recommended attaching visible contact information (for example, tied phone numbers) to a horse’s mane or other conspicuous place.

On venomous‑snake risk, clinic staff recommended avoidance first: keep dogs on leash in snake‑prone areas, avoid tall brush and rock crevices, consider rattlesnake aversion training and, if used, schedule periodic refreshers. They also mentioned rattlesnake vaccines as an available option and urged owners to know local snake habitats when hiking.

The veterinarians discussed stress and behavior during emergencies: cats commonly freeze, hide or pant, making carriers less threatening by leaving them out and using positive reinforcement; dogs often show pinned ears, heavy panting or trembling. For highly stressed animals that must travel or be boarded, the clinic said it can prescribe mild sedatives in advance.

Staff also warned that fleas and ticks are active outside the warmest months; in the Calaveras area they recommended year‑round prevention because winters often lack deep freezes. On vehicle safety, they advised secure harnesses, crates or pet seat belts and, for water activities, life jackets for dogs.

Angels Camp Veterinary Hospital is on Deer Creek Road off Highway 49 in Angels Camp and accepts new and existing patients; staff said daytime hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Owners with questions were encouraged to contact their veterinarian before an emergency to assemble records and discuss medications or behavior plans.

The guests closed by reminding listeners that planning, visible identification and quick transport to veterinary care are the most reliable ways to reduce harm to animals during fires, heat waves, storms and other emergencies in Calaveras County.