The smoky air from California fires isn’t just irritating to us — it can profoundly affect our pets as well. If you can see or feel the effects of smoke yourself, you should take precautions to keep your pets safe.
Look for the following signs of possible smoke irritation in your pets. If they are experiencing any of these signs, please consult your veterinarian.
- Coughing or gagging
- Difficulty breathing, including open mouth breathing and increased noise when breathing
- Eye irritation and excessive watering
- Inflammation of throat or mouth
- Nasal discharge
- Asthma-like symptoms
- Increased breathing rate
- Fatigue or weakness
- Disorientation or stumbling
- Reduced appetite and/or thirst
To protect pets, keep them indoors as much as possible, and keep your windows shut. Let dogs and cats outside only for brief bathroom breaks if air quality alerts are in effect. Avoid intense outdoor exercise during periods of poor air quality. Exercise pets when dust and smoke has settled.
Breathe well, everyone! ❤️🐾
