While we’re still uncovering the full impact of pollution on our beloved pets, it’s undeniable that common environmental threats like wildfire smoke, tainted water, and household dust packed with toxins pose significant health risks to a wide array of animals.
The good news is that many of the protective measures we take for ourselves against pollutants and environmental contaminants can directly benefit our furry, feathered, or scaled friends too.
Here are some straightforward, expert-backed tips to keep them safe.
Navigating Poor Air Quality: What to Do
During times of poor outdoor air quality, whether from raging wildfires or other sources, it’s crucial to minimize your pets’ time outdoors. This means short, essential potty breaks for dogs instead of extended strolls, and avoiding any strenuous activities that could increase their breathing rate. A quick wipe-down with a damp towel or pet-safe cleansing wipe after coming inside can also help remove pollutants that might stick to their fur.
Maintain clean indoor air by keeping windows and doors shut and using a high-efficiency air purifier. Since smoky or polluted air can dehydrate the respiratory system, always make sure your pets have access to abundant fresh, clean water.
Don’t forget their eyes! As Dr. Michala de Linde Henriksen, a veterinary ophthalmologist specializing in wildfire smoke effects at North Carolina State University, points out, if your eyes are irritated, your dog’s likely are too.
She suggests using common over-the-counter products like eyewash and lubricating eye drops to keep their eyes moist and free from irritants. Be vigilant for signs like rubbing, squinting, redness, tearing, or discharge – these are all signals to contact your veterinarian. “Always seek veterinary help if you have any concerns,” she advises.
Daily Habits for a Safer Home
Pollution isn’t solely an outdoor concern. Our pets frequently encounter a variety of contaminants right inside our homes during their daily routines.
As John Buchweitz, a veterinary toxicologist at Michigan State University, explains, “We spend only a portion of our day at home, but for our pets, it’s their entire world. It’s the environment where they spend most of their time.”
Everyday household items like gas stoves, candles, incense, cleaning supplies, and perfumes can release a range of potentially dangerous compounds into the air.
Many of these chemicals become airborne. Experts advise using ventilating fans, running air purifiers, or simply opening windows when cooking, cleaning, or engaging in other activities that produce indoor pollutants.
Other indoor toxins often settle into dust, which can be effectively removed through regular vacuuming. “Honestly, one of the best things we can do for both ourselves and our pets is to vacuum more often,” admits Olivia Sanderfoot, an ecologist at Cornell University who researches how smoke and urban air pollution impact animals.
To guard against lead poisoning, ensure your pets stay clear of peeling or chipping paint, and keep them away from ongoing renovations, particularly in homes constructed before 1978, when lead-based paint was prohibited.
Dr. Robert Wahl, an environmental epidemiologist at Michigan State University, notes, “Just as infants and toddlers often put things like lead paint chips in their mouths, pets tend to explore materials by closely sniffing, licking, and sometimes even trying to eat them.”
If your home’s water service line contains lead, always use a water filter and let the tap run to flush the pipes before filling your pet’s bowl. Dr. Wahl also highlights that some garden hoses, frequently used for outdoor pet dishes, can contain high lead levels. If you intend to use a hose for your pets’ water, opt for one clearly labeled “drinking water safe.”
Be aware that older and imported ceramic dishes, as well as certain pet toys, might also contain lead. It’s best to use food and water bowls made from alternative materials, or choose dishes and toys produced in the United States, carrying a “lead-free” label, or from well-known, trustworthy manufacturers.