Air pollution affects pets too

If the air quality is too rough for you, it’s too rough for your pets too.

A special air quality advisory remained in effect for Waterloo Region on Wednesday due to smoke plumes from ongoing forest fires in northeastern Ontario and Quebec.

Residents were advised the wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health, including their four-legged friends.

“The biggest danger to our pets comes actually from the fine particles found in air pollutants which can get into their lungs and cause a variety of health issues like eye irritation or respiratory problems,” said Melanie Hunt, RVT with the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth. “Poor air quality greatly impacts those with underlying health issues already or with respiratory diseases as well.”

Some mild exposure signs to watch out for are coughing or gagging, nasal discharge, or red or watery eyes.

“More concerning symptoms would include difficulty breathing which can manifest for our pets as open-mouth breathing, more noise as they’re breathing, or if they’re panting or breathing quickly,” explained Hunt. “And of course very severe symptoms would include fatigue, weakness, stumbling, or decreased appetite.”

Hunt said if you see your pet showing any of those signs, especially the more concerning or severe symptoms, make sure to bring them to your vet right away.

While the high levels of air pollution can affect any pet, some are more at risk than others.

“Any pets that are already suffering from underlying health or respiratory issues or diseases are definitely at a greater risk,” said Hunt.

Older pets are also at a higher risk, as well as brachycephalic dogs and cats.

“Short-nosed dogs and cats like pugs and Persians may be more affected by smoke in the air because they’re already having a more difficult time to begin with to get oxygen into their lungs,” explained Hunt.

She said feathered friends are also at risk as pet birds are susceptible to smoke and any changes in the air quality.

Hunt’s advice was to limit our pets’ time outdoors when the air quality is poor, like taking dogs out for short walks or waiting until the air quality is at its lowest risk level. Cat owners can also reduce the amount of time they let their felines outside or on a balcony, and we should all ensure our pets have access to purified indoor air circulation when outdoor air quality deteriorates.