How to Keep Your Pet Safe From Wildfire Smoke | Reviews by Wirecutter

By Brooklyn White

Brooklyn White is a senior staff writer who writes about everyday items that make life easier for parents (of both humans and pets).

The smoke and ash from wildfires pose a known, immediate threat to human health, and the risk can linger even after the wildfire smoke has cleared and the air quality index has improved. And if you are concerned about your exposure to the outdoor air, it’s safe to say that your dogs and cats may be at risk as well.

“As long as they have lungs—so dogs, cats, people—it’s going to be somewhat similar,” says Lisa Lippman, director of virtual medicine for Bond Vet Clinic.

Dogs and cats with preexisting respiratory conditions are more likely to have breathing problems as a result of polluted air. “Bulldogs, pugs, Himalayan cats—breeds that have a flat face—have breathing problems in general,” says Kim Van Beuren, a medical director at Bond Vet Clinic. You should also be on watch for pediatric and geriatric cats and dogs because they are especially susceptible to smoke inhalation.

But all pets with lungs are at risk of having an adverse reaction to air that’s filled with smoke. Symptoms include red, watery eyes, as well as nasal discharge and abnormal, short breathing. They may not want to move their bodies much, instead putting all of their energy into maintaining their breath. Like humans, they’ll also cough and sneeze. If your pet’s breathing becomes too gulp-like, call your vet immediately, as it could indicate a heart issue.

The good news is, in general the precautions that you might be taking to protect yourself in such conditions are the same ones that can protect your four-legged friends. But there are some additional things to keep in mind—so we connected with veterinary experts with over 90 years of collective experience, including one based in Los Angeles, and asked our internal experts for advice on keeping pets safe during an air-quality crisis.

When the air quality is poor, Lippman advises, pet caretakers should find shelter and “keep your windows and doors shut as much as possible.” Opening any exits, even briefly, can allow the polluted air to get inside.

And in the same way that an air purifier can help you breathe easier, it can help your pet, because they also have lungs and can be impacted by inhalation of smoke and other pollutants.

Kent Pinkerton, director of the Center for Health and the Environment at University of California Davis, says that smoke inhalation could cause pets to experience “respiratory issues of coughing or sneezing, an increase in their breathing rate, and weakness or fatigue.” He likens it to the issues that humans typically deal with if they breathe in smoky air.

One of our top pieces of advice for clearing your home of wildfire smoke is investing in an air purifier, such as our top pick, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty.

One challenge with dogs, in particular, is that they need to go outside to do their business—so try to make those trips as quick as possible. Try to cut out trips to the park or long strolls around the neighborhood, as lengthy exposure increases the chance of breathing in compromised air.

“You wouldn’t want to do heavy play at the dog park, or things that would increase the breathing rate and expose you to more pollutants,” says Van Beuren.

Pinkerton agrees, saying, “As we exercise, whether it’s us or our pets, we’re going to be breathing more deeply, taking a greater number of breaths. And so that leads to more of the particles that are formed by the wildfires that carry down into the lungs and potentially cause injury and symptoms.” He cautions that a pet’s bathroom breaks should be kept to five minutes.

It’s also wise to have wet towels or pet-safe wipes on hand so that you can thoroughly clean your pet’s body once you’re back inside. That’s because debris can latch onto their fur or paws and infiltrate your home. Since animals lick themselves to clean, you don’t want them ingesting the pollution, either. These hypoallergenic dog wipes by Earth Rated are a staff favorite (though we haven’t comparatively tested them). A regular towel also suffices.

Since pets are encouraged to remain indoors in such situations, it’s beneficial to keep them stimulated mentally and physically.

“For dogs, indoor games like fetch in a hallway or tug-of-war can help burn off energy,” said Sandra Faeh, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, in an email interview. “Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, and interactive toys can provide mental stimulation and keep pets engaged. You can also hide treats around the house for a game of ‘find it’ or practice new tricks and obedience training, which can be mentally enriching and tiring.”

If you have a cat, she suggests using toys that “mimic prey” to get them up and moving. She also notes that vertical structures “allow cats to climb and explore their environment in a way that mimics natural behaviors.”

There are face masks, meant to filter toxic air, made specifically for dogs.

But according to the veterinarians we spoke with, these masks may not be especially effective and could end up doing more harm than good.

Lippman advises against them because they can irritate an animal and cause panic. Unlike humans, a cat or dog can’t tell you when they feel uncomfortable or dizzy in a mask.

“It’s impossible to know how comfortable masks are for dogs. They may cause more distress than they might be worth,” Mel Plaut, Wirecutter’s staff writer of pets coverage, says. In times of stress, it’s important to keep your animal as calm as possible, so a mask could have the opposite effect.

Lisa Weeth, a veterinary nutritionist who is based in Los Angeles and lives and works within 10 minutes of the Palisades Fire, suggests that her patients have a go-bag in case an evacuation is necessary. Most important is having three to four days’ worth of food and water; wherever you go, it will likely be easier to find food for yourself than for your pet.

If you have a small dog or cat, be sure to bring their carrier if you have one. It’s a safer way to travel, and when you reach your destination, the carrier ensures they’ll have somewhere cozy to hide while remaining in sight. If you have a larger dog, the best way to help them stay secure during the ride is by using a harness or crate that has been crash-tested.

Once you’re in the car, keep the windows rolled up. Mel recommends turning the heat or air conditioning on the recirculate setting so that you’re not pulling outside air into the car.

Knowing the signs of toxic-air inhalation are essential. “Concerning signs would be coughing, gagging, or having trouble breathing,” says Lippman. “It can affect [your pet’s] mucous membranes, so they’d have excessive eye watering or swelling around the eyes or mouth. Or if they have any nasal discharge, they’re experiencing any disorientation, a reduced appetite, or are really lethargic, then I would see your vet as soon as possible.”

This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder.

Brooklyn White

I am a senior staff writer covering babies, kids and pets. I focus on everyday items, such as breast pumps and cat trees, that make life easier for parents (of both humans and pets).

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