Hazardous air quality forecast for much of Minnesota Thursday as fires grow

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Heat, smoke and pets just don’t mix. That was clear last summer when I wrote about the 

needs of our animal friends during last year’s wildfire smoke. 

Conditions are worse now, so here’s a quick look at what I learned about pets, heat and smoke from Dr. Kate Farmer, a veterinarian at the Animal Humane Society.

. These tiny droplets are small enough to wiggle into the lungs of both humans and animals and enter the bloodstream. 

 have linked particulate matter in wildfire smoke to a greater risk of strokes, heart disease, respiratory issues, lung cancer and other health conditions in humans. 

As with humans, polluted air and smoke can adversely affect animals’ eyes and respiratory systems, which is especially concerning for those with pre-existing conditions.

Get the latest information on wildfires in Minnesota

Respiratory problems can escalate quickly, so if your pet appears uncomfortable, is wheezing, disoriented, gagging or having difficulty breathing after being outside, or if their breathing is labored, contact your veterinarian or seek emergency veterinary care immediately. 

Breeds with flat faces, such as bulldogs or pugs, as well as older and younger dogs, or those with heart disease, asthma, or any underlying health problems affecting the heart and lungs, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of particulate matter. 

Farmer, the veterinarian, said to be attentive to any wheezing, coughing, watery eyes, watery nose or little interest in eating, which can all be signs in your pet of too much particulate exposure. 

Horses and livestock are also feeling the stress, as my MPR News colleague 

Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval reported on Wednesday

The Environmental Protection Agency offers 

 for protecting large animals from smoke, including ensuring easy access to plenty of fresh water near feeding areas, minimizing their exposure to dust and allowing four to six weeks for animals to recover once air quality improves. 

Farmer recommended limiting outdoor activities and bathroom breaks for dogs and cats to no more than 10 minutes when the air quality is poor and 

Much of Minnesota is living through that this week

To keep pets cool during this week's dangerous heat wave

As with humans, strenuous exercise such as running with your dog should be avoided. Early morning walks are preferable — that’s when particulate levels are typically lowest. 

If you can’t go out, try interactive toys and puzzle feeders to keep your pets entertained. Long-lasting treats, such as a frozen Kong toy stuffed with wet food or peanut butter, can be fun and useful. Training sessions can also ease boredom and let pets expend excess energy.

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Erica Zurek

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MPR News health reporter Erica Zurek talked to a Twin Cities veterinarian last year when skies were hazy. With conditions worse this year, she revisited her story to help pets and pet owners make the best of a tough summer 2026.

3 things to know about helping pets when the air turns bad

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