Wildfire Smoke and Pets: Tips to Protect Your Furry Companion
With extreme wildfires increasingly more common in the United States, and wildfire season also becoming longer, you might worry about how smoke can affect your pet. When air quality is poor due to wildfire smoke, take measures to protect all members of your family, including the furry ones.
We’ve rounded up some tips to protect pets from wildfire smoke, as well as signs of smoke irritation in pets to watch out for.
Tips for Protecting Pets from Wildfire Smoke
Wildfires do not necessarily have to be close by to affect dogs or cats because pets are sensitive to smoke and poor air quality. If you can smell wildfire smoke or feel the effects from poor air quality, your pet can, too — perhaps even more than you.
“Wildfire smoke can travel far, and just like with humans, pets can experience irritation to their eyes and respiratory tract,” says veterinarian Gary Weitzman, DVM, MPH, CAWA, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society. “Dogs and cats have a stronger sense of smell than us, so they may even inhale more particles than we do. Pet birds are especially sensitive to smoke because of their efficient respiratory system.”
The San Diego Humane Society responds to multiple wildfires every year, both locally and nationally. San Diego Humane helps pets and their owners during wildfires through its Emergency Response Team (ERT), a division of its Humane Law Enforcement department.
“Our team will deploy to assist with evacuations of animals, sheltering animals at evacuation shelters, and providing support in the form of veterinary care, pet food, and supplies,” Dr. Weitzman says. “During the Valley Fire in 2020, our ERT also went behind fire lines to care for animals sheltering in place when their owners had to leave them behind or were unable to return to their pets.”
Dr. Weitzman offers these practical tips for keeping pets safe from wildfire smoke:
Keep your pets indoors as much as possible. Close your doors and windows to prevent smoke from getting inside. If your pets usually live outdoors, bring them inside, too.
Keep the air inside your home as clean as possible. Avoid frying and broiling foods, vacuuming, burning candles, using a fireplace or smoking tobacco products so you don’t add particles to the environment.
Limit your pet’s physical activity outdoors. When air quality alerts are in effect, let dogs outside only for brief bathroom breaks. When you come back inside, wipe down their fur, especially around their mouth and eyes, to remove ash and smoke particles. If your pet is OK using absorbent pads for potty breaks, you can keep them inside entirely until the air is better.
Don’t wait for evacuation orders. If you live close to the fire and have pets, leave early and take your pets with you. Leaving pets behind can risk both their lives and those of rescuers.
“Make sure your pets are wearing identification and bring their emergency preparedness kit, which should include a supply of two weeks of food, their medications, bowls, bedding, toys, and a crate,” Dr. Weitzman says.
Learn more about disaster preparation for pets at sdhumane.org/disasterprep.
Signs of Smoke Irritation in Pets
Certain animals are at greater risk from wildfire smoke. Senior pets, as well as those with health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, are not only more at risk but also less capable of handling the effects of the smoke.
“Brachycephalic dog breeds with shorter snouts, such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzu, Boxers, and Bulldogs, are more sensitive,” Dr. Weitzman says. “Cats like Persians and Exotic Shorthairs are also considered higher risk. Their shorter airways can result in difficulty breathing during normal circumstances, let alone when the air quality is bad.”
During times of poor air quality from wildfire smoke, watch your pet closely for these warning signs:
- Coughing
- Gagging
- Panting
- Red or watery eyes
- Nasal discharge
- Reluctance to eat
- Breathing through their mouth
- Breathing faster than normal
- Appearing fatigued or weak
- Unsteady gait or stumbling
“If you see any of these symptoms, get your pet into an air-conditioned room if possible,” Dr. Weitzman advises. “However, only use your air conditioner if it does not pull air in from outside. Humid air and keeping the temperature cool are also helpful for dogs to keep them from panting.”
Always consult a veterinarian for advice if your pet is experiencing difficulty breathing. After checking in with your vet, you can try keeping your pet indoors with an air purifier to help keep air quality levels safe inside.
“Treat your pets like you would treat a family member or yourself,” Dr. Weitzman says. “If you see, feel, and smell the smoke, so do they. If you have livestock, be mindful of their health as well, and evacuate them away from an area with poor air quality if they can’t be brought indoors.”
