While we’re still learning the full extent of how pollution impacts our pets, one thing is clear: airborne contaminants, tainted water, and the everyday dust in our homes can severely jeopardize the health of our animal companions.
The good news? Many of the precautions we take to shield ourselves from environmental pollutants can also protect our pets.
Here are some straightforward, expert-recommended steps you can take.
During Air Quality Crises
When wildfires are raging or outdoor air quality drops for other reasons, it’s crucial to limit your pets’ time outside. This means quick potty breaks instead of long strolls and avoiding strenuous activities that could increase their breathing rate. A quick wipe-down with a cleansing cloth or damp towel after they come inside can also help remove pollutants that cling to their fur.
Maintain clean indoor air by keeping windows and doors shut and running a high-quality air purifier. Polluted air can also dry out their respiratory systems, so always ensure your pets have access to plenty of fresh, clean drinking water.
Don’t forget their eyes! Dr. Michala de Linde Henriksen, a veterinary ophthalmologist at North Carolina State University who has studied the effects of wildfire smoke, notes, “If your eyes are itchy, your dog’s eyes are most likely also itchy.”
She suggests using over-the-counter eyewash and lubricating eye drops to keep their eyes moist and free from irritants. Watch for signs like rubbing, squinting, redness, tearing, or discharge, and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns. “Seek veterinary help if you have any concerns,” she advises.
Everyday Precautions
Pollution isn’t just an outdoor issue. Pets encounter a variety of contaminants daily within their own homes.
“We live in our homes for a portion of the day,” explains John Buchweitz, a veterinary toxicologist at Michigan State University. “Whereas our pets, that is their everything. That is their environment in which they spend a majority of their time.”
Common household items like gas stoves, candles, incense, cleaning products, and perfumes can release a range of potentially harmful compounds.
Some of these chemicals become airborne, so experts recommend using ventilating fans, running air purifiers, or opening windows when cooking, cleaning, or performing other tasks that generate pollution.
Other indoor pollutants settle into dust and can be managed through regular vacuuming. “One of the best things that we can do for ourselves and our pets is actually vacuuming more, which I’ll be honest, I’m not particularly good at,” admits Olivia Sanderfoot, an ecologist at Cornell University who researches the impact of smoke and urban air pollution on animals.
To protect pets from lead poisoning, keep them away from peeling or chipping paint and maintain a safe distance during active renovations, especially in homes built before 1978, when lead-based paint was banned.
“A risk factor for infants and toddlers is that they often put things in their mouths like lead chips from peeling paint,” says Dr. Robert Wahl, an environmental epidemiologist at Michigan State University. “Similarly, pets often contact materials by smelling them in very close proximity and licking and even attempting to eat them.”
If your home’s water service line is made of lead, use a water filter and flush the pipes by running the tap before refilling your pet’s water bowl. Dr. Wahl also points out that high levels of lead have been found in some garden hoses, “which are often used to fill pet dishes outside.” Pet owners planning to use hoses for their pets’ water should opt for those clearly labeled “drinking water safe.”
Be aware that old or imported ceramic dishes and certain pet toys can also contain lead. Choose food and water bowls made from alternative materials, or seek out dishes and toys produced in the United States, carrying a “lead-free” label, or from trusted manufacturers.