How to Protect Your Pets From Wildfire Smoke
Your pets breathe the same air as you. If you are wearing a mask and taking action against bushfire smoke, you should take action for your pets too.
How to tell if your pet is worried about smoke
Dogs and cats react to smoke in the same way as humans. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that these are some signs to watch out for :
- Cough, vomiting, or open breathing
- Faster breathing
- Eyes are watery or irritated
- Nasal discharge
- Fatigue, confusion, or decreased appetite.
Birds are even more sensitive to smoke, in part because their lungs are really good at absorbing oxygen from the air. It also makes them more susceptible to annoying or poisonous things in the air (think of the “canary in the coal mine” which was the real thing ).
Keep them indoors
Smoke filtering masks are not made for pets, so it is best to keep them indoors and keep the air as clean as possible. These steps are similar to what you would do for yourself and your human family:
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Turn off the fresh air intake on your air conditioner and set it to only recirculate air that is already in the house.
- Use an air purifier. If you don’t have one that can handle the air in your entire home, place it in the room your pets spend the most time in (or move pets to a filtered room).
- If your pet needs to go outside, limit the time it spends in smoky air and try to time these trips for a time of day when it seems less smoky.
Outdoor pets can go a little crazy, so consider buying or making new toys to keep them entertained.
Evacuation plan
If the smoke gets too strong or the forest fires are too close, you may need to pack up and leave your home. When planning your trip, keep your pets in mind: have a suitable carrier for birds, cats and small pets, and find out which shelters, hotels or friends’ homes can accommodate pets.
If you have horses or other livestock, look for trailers that you can rent or borrow as a last resort; AMVA recommends asking your neighbors, farmers and carriers in advance.