Poor air quality can affect pets just like people. Here’s how to keep them safe.
Indianapolis, IN- As wildfire smoke continues to impact air quality across Indiana, Pet Friendly Services is encouraging pet owners to take extra precautions to protect their pets from harmful smoke exposure.
When air quality reaches unhealthy levels, pets can experience many of the same health effects as people. Dogs, cats, birds, and other animals can all be affected, especially young pets, senior pets, those with heart or lung disease, and breeds with short noses such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats.
“Many people don’t realize that if the air feels unhealthy to breathe, it’s unhealthy for our pets too,” said Cheri Storms, executive director of Pet Friendly Services. “A few simple changes during smoky days can help prevent serious health problems.”
Pet Friendly Services recommends the following tips when wildfire smoke causes poor air quality:
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Limit time outside, especially when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is above 100.
- Skip strenuous exercise. Replace long walks, runs, or games of fetch with shorter potty breaks and indoor enrichment.
- Keep indoor air as clean as possible. Close windows and doors, run air conditioning if available, and use a HEPA air purifier if possible.
- Watch for signs of smoke exposure, including coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, excessive panting, watery eyes, nasal discharge, unusual tiredness, or reduced appetite.
- Provide plenty of fresh water. Staying hydrated helps support normal respiratory function.
- Never leave pets outside for extended periods when smoke levels are high.
Pet owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if their pet shows persistent coughing, labored breathing, collapse, or other signs of respiratory distress.
While healthy pets may recover quickly after brief exposure, repeated or prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs and worsen existing medical conditions.
Pet Friendly Services also reminds owners to be prepared for emergencies by ensuring pets have identification tags, current microchip information, several days’ worth of food and medications, and an emergency kit ready in case conditions worsen or evacuations become necessary.
Current air quality conditions can be monitored through local weather reports or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index.
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About Pet Friendly Services of Indiana
Pet Friendly Services is Indiana’s only statewide animal welfare organization dedicated to ending the euthanasia of dogs and cats. Through our innovative spay/neuter programs that fix nearly 14,000 cats and dogs per year, we tackle pet overpopulation at the source — saving lives and reducing suffering. Support our mission by driving with a Pet Friendly specialty license plate, and join a movement that makes a difference for animals in need!
www.PetFriendlyServices.org