How To Keep Pets Safe During Poor Air Quality Conditions
Andrea Powell
Hundreds of wildfires are raging across Canada displacing people, endangering wildlife, and causing air quality alerts throughout the United States and as far as Spain.
The Great Lakes Region issued air quality alerts on Tuesday due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter caused by the smoke from the wildfires. The poor air quality can be harmful to pets as well.
A thick haze blankets several states and officials are urging people and pets to stay indoors.
Pets Most At Risk
While the poor air quality impacts all animals, it is especially hard on birds, senior and young pets, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.
Assistant State Veterinarian, Jennifer Calogero, with Michigan State Veterinarian's Office released a statement about the unhealthy air quality and informed pet owners what symptoms to watch for.
"If animals are being negatively affected by breathing poor quality air, they could exhibit various signs of illness, including coughing, wheezing, having difficulties breathing, eye drainage, lethargy, changing the sound of their vocalization, decreased appetite, and thirst. For any concerns related to the health of your animals, please contact your veterinarian."
Steps To Take To Keep Them Safe
- Only put your dog outdoors for short periods to use the bathroom.
- Avoid strenuous activities like long walks and playing outside.
- Find indoor activities for energetic dogs like chew toys or puzzles.
- Keep your windows and doors closed with fans or air purifiers on to increase air flow.
- If you own horses, do not ride or work them and make sure they have access to fresh, clean water.
Stay Informed
Firefighters (local and from all over the world) are tirelessly working to extinguish over 490 active wildfires. Half are considered out of control and have already burned more than 17.7 million acres. The dry and warm weather conditions are only fueling the fires with no end in sight.
According to IQAir, Detroit, Chicago, and Minneapolis were in the top five worst cities in the world for air quality on Wednesday, June 28 due to the thick smoke.
To see the current air quality in your area you can check out Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality map.
Be sure to share this with your friends and family to keep them and their four-legged friends safe.
