Air Quality Alert Sparks Warning for Pet Owners

Pet owners are advised to keep an eye out for signs of their pets being exposed to unhealthy air quality as worsening air pollution has been documented across several states this week.

The nation's air quality has recently been affected by wildfire smoke drifting south from the fires burning in British Columbia, Canada. The smoke has worsened air pollution across several states, with the worst levels detected in Wisconsin and Minnesota. People are advised to stay indoors when air quality is poor, and Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club, says pet owners should take precautions for their pets as well.

“Air quality does affect pets just like it does humans,” Klein told Newsweek. “The best barometer to figure out if air quality is good enough is to listen to weather reports. If it's harmful to people, it's going to be harmful to pets and to wildlife as well.”

On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index had air quality in Minnesota measuring at 191. Air quality had improved in the northern U.S. by Tuesday, although some groups could be affected farther south in Kansas and Oklahoma. Air quality is considered good if it measures between zero and 50. Sensitive groups are affected when the air quality level exceeds 101, and Klein said this applies to pets too.

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Any pets with cardiopulmonary diseases like bronchitis or asthma should have “limited time outside” at that time. When air quality levels hit 150 or higher, Klein said, owners should be concerned about leaving pets outside for prolonged periods. He also advised owners to keep doors and windows closed.

Some species are more at risk than others. Klein said pet birds are possibly those at the highest risk. Cats also have a higher than average risk of being affected by poor air quality.

“Cats also are known to have a lot of problems with asthma,” Klein said, adding that they are “very sensitive” to dust, pollen and smoke.

Last summer, wildfire smoke drifting down from Canada affected air quality in several states across the U.S. Klein said he doesn't recall veterinarian emergency rooms being inundated with sick pets, and he hopes pet owners will keep their animals safe this year too.

However, if owners are concerned about their pet's potential exposure to poor air quality, Klein said, there are certain signs to watch for. Gagging, coughing or difficulty breathing—including open-mouth breathing, such as panting, or making increased noise when breathing—can indicate that a pet is suffering from exposure. Other signs include irritated eyes, increased respiratory rates and fatigue.

“Obviously, if they are stumbling, you have a real emergency and should go to a veterinary emergency room,” Klein said.

If an owner notices a pet is having difficulty breathing, he advises bringing the animal to a clean room and calling a vet as soon as possible.

“We never want to fool around with respiratory conditions,” he said.