Keeping Pets Safe When Wildfire Smoke Moves In

When haze from Canadian wildfires settled over Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan a couple of weeks ago, it was a quick reminder of how fast bad air can travel. Most of us stayed inside or turned up the air conditioning, but bad air days naturally raise questions for pet owners. The reality is that pets breathe the exact same air we do, but they face a few unique risks. We have the option of staying inside, wearing a mask, and avoiding and mitigating the smoke to the best of our abilities. Cats and dogs do not have all the same options as we do. This is especially true for pets with pre-existing health conditions, especially for pets that suffer from heart or respiratory issues.

During smoky stretches, keeping outdoor trips short and functional (peeing and pooping) is the best way to limit the impacts of smoke to your pets. Keeping your home’s windows closed and running the air conditioning on recirculate will help keep the indoor air clean. Swap long walks or games of fetch for quick potty breaks, and make sure outdoor cats stay inside until air advisories lift. Check the air quality at your local preferred weather station. Sometimes the late evening and early morning air showed the lowest particle count.

If your pet does become bored due to lack of outdoor activity, you can try switching from physical to mental stimulation. Practicing your pet's commands (sit, stay, down, rollover, come, paw, etc.), hiding treats around the house, or using a lick mat or puzzle toy can help fulfill their needs.

For official, highly accurate health warnings, AirNow.gov provides Air Quality Index updates directly from government sensors. If you want a fun, hyperlocal look at conditions, you can try PurpleAir's interactive map for their community run, home sensors that some people allow to publish air quality results. It is a unique way to see a little more close to home.

If your pet suffers from respiratory issues or you notice heavy panting after a smoky day, check out our Urgent Care or Exam page or give us a call at 419-475-3456.