Hawai'i Storms Can Bring Health Hazards

Stormy seasons in Hawai‘i increase several pet-health risks. Hiking is dangerous when heavy rains are happening and should be avoided with our without your animals.  Oceans are beautiful but when there is a brown water advisory and storm run off it can be dangerous to you and your pet's health.

Below is a concise guide on what to watch for, how to prevent problems, and what your veterinarian will want you to do. Ali‘i Animal’s whole-health approach suggests staying safe with your animal friends and also being prepared with preventative medicine.

Key risks during heavy rain, flooding, and runoff

• Contaminated water: Floodwater and runoff can carry bacteria (including Leptospira), parasites (Giardia, Cryptosporidium), sewage, agricultural runoff, and chemical pollutants.
• Standing water: Mosquito breeding—vector-borne disease risk (e.g., heartworm in dogs), plus increased exposure to parasites.
• Wildlife contacts: Wild boar, feral cats, rats, and other wildlife can transmit pathogens (leptospirosis, parasites, wounds from bites/scratches).
• Wounds and injuries: Hidden debris, sharp objects, and rough terrain increase cuts/trauma; contaminated wounds risk infection.
• Hypothermia and stress: Cold, wet conditions and displacement (trees down, sheltering) can cause hypothermia and anxiety.
• Flooding hazards: Drowning risk, vehicles swept away, pets trapped in structures or swept downstream.

About leptospirosis

• What it is: A bacterial infection transmitted in urine of infected animals; pets are exposed via contaminated water, soil, or direct contact with infected animals.
• Severity: Leptospirosis can be serious and potentially deadly in dogs (and, less commonly, cats). It can cause kidney and liver failure, bleeding problems, and death if untreated. Early treatment improves outcomes.
• Prevention: Vaccination reduces risk (discuss serovars covered by vaccine with your vet), avoid stagnant or potentially contaminated water, reduce wildlife exposure, and prompt treatment of suspected cases.

Practical precautions for pet owners

• Keep pets indoors during storms and heavy runoff; avoid allowing pets to drink or swim in floodwater, streams, or standing water.
• Leash walks only on safe, dry routes; avoid mountain streams, low-lying areas, and drainage channels after rain.
• Don’t let pets drink from gutters, puddles, or unknown outdoor sources; carry fresh water for them.
• Prevent wildlife encounters: keep pets on trails, avoid dense understory where boar root or feral animals hide, secure food and trash at home.
• Wound care: If a pet is cut or bitten, clean the wound with clean water, apply pressure if bleeding, and see your vet promptly—infected wounds often need antibiotics and possibly tetanus/other care.
• Parasite and vector prevention: Stay current on tick/flea prevention and heartworm prevention (mosquito-borne).
• Vaccination: Keep core and regional vaccines current—ask about leptospirosis vaccine if your pet is at risk.
• Hygiene: Dry and clean pets after exposure to wet outdoor areas; wash hands after handling pets and after cleaning up urine/feces.
• Emergency kit: Include leash, carrier, bottled water, bowls, towel, med list, vaccine records, and a recent photo of your pet. Know evacuation routes and pet-friendly shelters.

What your veterinarian wants you to know and do

• Prevention first: stay current on vaccines (including leptospirosis if recommended), heartworm prevention, and flea/tick control.
• Call early: If your pet has vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice (yellow gums/eyes), lethargy, decreased/absent urination, fever, bleeding, or changed behavior after water or wildlife exposure, contact your vet immediately—these can be signs of leptospirosis or other serious infections.
• Bring information: If you suspect exposure, tell the vet where and when the exposure occurred and bring a urine/fecal sample if requested.
• Follow-up testing/treatment: Your vet may recommend bloodwork, urine testing, antibiotics, or hospitalization depending on symptoms. For leptospirosis, early antibiotics significantly improve outcomes.
• Keep records: Maintain an accessible file of vaccination and medical records for emergencies or evacuations.

How to minimize runoff contamination at home

• Don’t let outdoor pet waste accumulate; pick up and dispose of feces promptly to reduce bacterial load.
• Secure septic systems, avoid dumping chemicals outdoors, and store pet food indoors.
• Create safe drainage around the yard to limit pooling where pets play.
• If your property floods, thoroughly clean and disinfect areas pets contacted before allowing them back.

When to seek emergency care

• Any signs of severe illness after potential exposure (vomiting, bloody diarrhea, jaundice, very weak, seizures, inability to stand, severe bleeding) warrant immediate veterinary attention.