While we’re still uncovering the full extent of pollution’s impact on our animal companions, it’s undeniable that common environmental threats like wildfire smoke, tainted water, and toxic dust found right in our homes pose significant health risks to pets of all kinds.
The encouraging news, according to specialists, is that many of the preventative measures we adopt for our own well-being against pollutants and environmental dangers can just as effectively safeguard our furry family members.
Here are some straightforward, expert-backed strategies to keep your pets safer.
Navigating Air Quality Crises with Your Pet
During periods of severe outdoor air pollution, whether from raging wildfires or other sources, it’s crucial for pet owners to minimize their animals’ outdoor exposure. This means opting for short, essential potty breaks over extended walks and avoiding strenuous activities that might 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 cling to their fur.
Indoors, maintain clean air by keeping windows and doors shut and utilizing a high-efficiency air purifier. Since smoky or polluted air can dehydrate the respiratory system, always make sure your pets have constant access to ample fresh, clean drinking water.
Don’t forget to protect your pet’s eyes. Dr. Michala de Linde Henriksen, a veterinary ophthalmologist at North Carolina State University, who has extensively researched the impacts of wildfire smoke, advises, “If your eyes feel irritated, it’s very probable your dog’s eyes are too.”
According to Dr. de Linde Henriksen, readily available eyewashes and lubricating eye drops can effectively keep your pet’s eyes moist and free from irritation. Watch for signs like rubbing, squinting, redness, excessive tearing, or discharge, and remember her advice: “Always consult a veterinarian if you have any worries about your pet’s health.”
Daily Habits for a Safer Pet Environment
Pollution isn’t confined to the outdoors. Our pets regularly encounter a variety of contaminants right within our homes.
As John Buchweitz, a veterinary toxicologist at Michigan State University, points out, “While we spend only a part of our day at home, our pets live their entire lives within that environment. It’s their whole world.”
Common household items like gas stoves, candles, incense, cleaning supplies, and perfumes all release various potentially harmful substances into the air.
Many of these chemicals disperse into the air. Experts advise using ventilating fans, running air purifiers, or simply opening windows when you’re cooking, cleaning, or engaging in any other activity that generates indoor pollution.
Regular vacuuming is another excellent way to tackle indoor pollutants that gather in dust. “Honestly, one of the best things we can do for both ourselves and our pets is to vacuum more frequently,” admits Olivia Sanderfoot, an ecologist at Cornell University specializing in the impact of smoke and urban air pollution on wildlife.
To prevent lead poisoning in your pets, ensure they stay away from flaking or chipped paint, and keep them clear of any ongoing renovations, especially in homes constructed before 1978, when lead-based paint was outlawed.
Dr. Robert Wahl, an environmental epidemiologist at Michigan State University, highlights the parallel between young children and pets: “Just as infants and toddlers often ingest lead chips from peeling paint, pets frequently interact with materials by sniffing, licking, and sometimes even trying to eat them.”
If your home has a lead water service line, always use a water filter and flush the pipes by running the tap for a bit before refilling your pet’s water bowl. Dr. Wahl also notes that some garden hoses contain high levels of lead and are frequently used to fill outdoor pet dishes. If you intend to use a hose for your pets, make sure to buy one specifically labeled “drinking water safe.”
Beware that old or imported ceramic dishes and certain pet toys can also harbor lead. Opt for food and water bowls made from alternative materials, or choose dishes and toys that are proudly made in the United States, clearly labeled “lead-free,” or come from trusted manufacturers.