Air Quality Affects Pets Too!

We’d like to remind pet owners that your animals can be adversely affected by the hazy conditions and smoke-filled air.

 
High-risk pets
In particular, pets with respiratory illnesses such as asthma, heart conditions, those with weakened immune systems, and senior pets are most prone to lung and eye irritation caused by current weather conditions. Healthy pets can also be affected. Environment Canada has warned the general public of the health risks to humans from the hazy air, and this warning should also extend to our furry friends.
 
Pets with short noses and flat faces such as Boston terriers, pugs, bulldogs, and Shih-Tzu’s – and cats such as Himalayan, Persian, and Scottish Fold – are particularly at risk for respiratory issues during high-risk air quality alerts.
 
If your pet is experiencing laboured breathing, has pale gums, excessive lethargy, or an excessive amount of eye irritation or discharge, contact us immediately at 604-898-9089.
 
Tips To Help Keep Your Furry Friends Safe During Poor Air Quality Conditions
• Keep outdoor cats indoors temporarily until air quality conditions drop back into moderate and low levels
• Keep your pet’s potty breaks short
• Avoid exercising your pet outside
• If your pet needs to burn off extra energy, consider a game of fetch or tug of war in your living room or a round of laser pointer tag with your cat instead
• If you must drive your pet to another location, keep windows and vents closed and run the fan on recirculate
• Avoid running fans, such as “whole-house fans” or “fresh air ventilation systems” that bring smoky outdoor air inside
• If you smoke, do not do it near your pet. Second-hand smoke is bad for animals under normal circumstances and may exacerbate symptoms during this advisory
• Keep doors and windows tightly closed
 
To help you keep informed on air quality in our area, we will be posting daily updates to our blog.