Here's how you can protect your pets from harmful effects of ashfall

Pets are a huge part of our everyday lives and they are a big part of our families.

Aside from companionship, they also help to reduce our stress and make us feel less lonely at times.

With the eruption of Taal Volcano on Sunday, let us not forget that our pets also need all the help they can get.

We should make sure to keep them safe and away from any harmful effects of the volcanic ash.

According to Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), here are ways pet owners and other facilities keeping animals can keep animals safe during ashfall:

• Keep them indoors (Large animals should be brought into stables or some form of shelter)
• Make sure food and water bowls / troughs for farm animals are not exposed.
• Grass and vegetation for feeding ruminants, goats, sheep, cattle must be washed and free from ash before feeding.
• Watch out for respiratory signs like coughing, difficulty breathing, sneezing, etc. (If there symptoms are present, have them checked by a veterinarian immediately)
• If your pet has been exposed, remove ash from your pets by wiping them down or giving them a bath. Do not let them lick the ask.
• Keep surroundings clean. Sweep or wash off ashfall from yards, patios or other outdoor areas.

According to PAWS' advisory, "ash is abrasive and can do permanent damage to an animal's eye."

PAWS also warned animal owners that prolonged ash exposure can be fatal to animals and may cause respiratory problems. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/JST, GMA News