Potassium Iodide (KI) Treatment for Animals Following a Nuclear Disaster

FACT SHEET for OWNERS

What is the most important thing I can do to protect my animals in a Nuclear Disaster?

Plan ahead. Know where you can keep your animals if you need to leave your home (make plans with friends, relatives, or shelters for housing). This will be helpful for a nuclear accident or any natural disaster.
Use your trips for regular veterinary check-ups to practice evacuation plans from your home.
Purchase pet carriers or trailers to be used during an evacuation.
Have your pet micro-chipped for easy identification in the event you are separated from your pet.

What is KI treatment and what does it do?

Potassium iodide (KI) is a salt of iodine. It is one of several ingredients that can be added to tale salt to make it iodized.
KI has also been approved by the FDA as a nonprescription drug for use as a “blocking agent” to prevent the human thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine.
KI is a medication that can be given to humans and animals.
KI may not provide people or animals with 100% protection against all radioactive iodine.
The effectiveness of KI as a thyroid blocking agent is greatest if administered before the time of exposure to radioactive iodine, but some exposure saving can be obtained by administration shortly after exposure.

Should I give KI to my pets?

This should be determined with your veterinarian with the following things in mind:

KI lessens the damage to the thyroid from radioactive iodine only. KI does not protect against other harmful radioactive rays released during a nuclear disaster.
KI can harm your pet if not dosed correctly, as can all medications. Consult your veterinarian regarding dosage recommendations.
Radiation is most harmful to young, actively growing animals.
KI must be given before or within 4 hours of exposure to be effective.
Veterinarians and pharmacies typically don’t stock this over-the-counter medication but may start if there is demand in your area. Also, veterinarians and pharmacies may special order this medication by request.
Do not give KI to your pet if it is sensitive to iodine.

Where can I get further information?