Poor Air Quality Impacts the Health of Pets, Too

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio

Experts warn that poor air quality caused by wildfires can have serious effects on animals, so pet parents should be aware of the risks and take steps to protect their pets when air quality drops.  

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American Veterinary Medical Association Warns About Wildlife Smoke


Canada has experienced its second-worst wildfire season, with nearly 4,000 fires this year, and those fires have affected the air quality in the United States, too. Experts at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) wanted to let pet parents know about the risks of smoke from those wildfires so they could take smart steps to keep their animals, including their livestock, safe.


A simple thing you can do is limit your pets’ outdoor activity, in the same way that you would limit your own outdoor activity, when wildfire smoke is affecting your area’s air quality. The air might smell like smoke or it might even look smoky, which are clear signs that you should stay indoors, with windows closed, as much as possible.


If you have an animal with certain health problems, including lung disease and heart disease, beware that they’re at an even greater risk of experiencing respiratory distress when there are fine particles in the air.


Bottom line: Keep an eye on air quality reports daily, especially during wildfire season. When necessary, limit your pets’ exposure to the outdoor air as best as you can to help keep them safe and prevent symptoms such as breathing difficulty, coughing, eye irritation, and fatigue.  


More Research into Air Quality and Dog Health


Particulate matter in the air is harmful to people, and Colorado State University (CSU) is conducting a study to dive into its effects on Golden Retrievers with the help of data from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. With that information, along with data from the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at CSU, they’ll be able to see the various health conditions that have affected the dogs, and if air pollution played a role in their health issues.


However, it will take them about two years to complete this research, so we won’t get answers right away. In the meantime, follow the AVMA’s instructions on how to keep your companions safe and healthy.     


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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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