3 things to know about helping pets when the air turns bad
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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.
1) Lungs are lungs
Smoke contains microscopic particles known as PM 2.5. These tiny droplets are small enough to wiggle into the lungs of both humans and animals and enter the bloodstream. Studies 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.
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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.
2) Some animals have it especially hard
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 recommendations 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.
3) You can ease pet stress
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 air quality index levels exceed 100. Much of Minnesota is living through that this week.
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.
