How to Protect Dogs from Wildfire Smoke: 5 Vet-Approved Tips

Seasonal wildfires present unique challenges for dog owners. They can cause a number of health issues for both humans and dogs, including smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion. Therefore, it is vital to have a wildfire safety plan set in place to protect both your health and your dog’s health.

A wildfire safety plan focuses mainly on methods for maintaining good indoor air quality and establishing an efficient evacuation plan. Here are some important essentials to keep in mind during wildfire season.

The 5 Tips to Protect Dogs from Wildfire Smoke

1. Use High-Efficiency Filters

Make sure to stock up on high-efficiency air conditioning filters before wildfire season starts and purchase enough filters to last you for the entire season. Most air filters last for up to 90 days.

When shopping for filters, look for true high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These air filters can remove up to 99.97% of air particles of 0.3 microns. This includes dust, smoke, pollen, mold, and bacteria.

Replacing your air conditioning filters can help improve your home’s indoor air quality to make breathing easier. It can also reduce additional irritation by filtering out many common airborne allergens.

2. Stay Indoors as Much as Possible

It’s best to limit the time you spend outside during wildfire season and let your dog out just for potty breaks. While your dog may have fun going on walks, they can start to feel sick if they stay outside for too long on days with poor air quality. Therefore, make sure to have a list of indoor activities your dog can engage in to let them exercise and prevent boredom.

It's often difficult to notice poor air quality until it’s too late. So, make it a habit to check the air quality each day by referring to an air quality index (AQI).

3. Keep Indoor Air Clean

Indoor air quality can become worse than outdoor air quality, especially when there’s poor ventilation. It’s easy for your home’s air quality to worsen during wildfire season if you’re keeping doors and windows shut. So, it’s often helpful to use air purifiers to trap airborne particles and irritants.

Another way to keep air quality clean is to refrain from frying or broiling foods and using a fireplace. Refraining from smoking tobacco products can also help maintain safe indoor air quality.

4. Provide Plenty of Water

Poor air quality can cause dry throat, so it’s important to ensure your dog is staying hydrated throughout wildfire season. It can be helpful for your dog if you add a couple of extra water bowls throughout the house, especially if they’re older or have a disability.

Make sure also to clean out and refresh the water bowls consistently so that your dog is drinking clean water.

5. Have an Evacuation Plan

When making a wildfire evacuation plan, make sure to include your pets. Identify specific places your dog may go to when they’re feeling stressed so that you can find them more quickly in case it’s necessary to evacuate.

It’s also important to have a designated evacuation crate. The crate should be sturdy enough to be used as a temporary shelter for your dog. Have an evacuation bag filled with essentials, including long-life dog food, first aid supplies, and a leash and collar set.

Is Smoke from Fires Bad for Dogs? When to Go to the Veterinarian

Wildfire smoke is not good for your dog’s health and can be particularly harmful to their respiratory tract. Certain dogs are more susceptible to health complications related to smoke. For example, dogs with heart or respiratory disease are at higher risk of experiencing health complications from smoke. Brachycephalic dogs are also high-risk breeds because they can have more difficulty breathing.

Your dog may experience the following health issues if they’re breathing in too much smoke and air with poor quality:

• Coughing
• Gagging
• Red eyes, eye irritation
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Reduced appetite or thirst

If you see any of these signs from your dog, make sure to call a veterinarian right away.

Conclusion

Wildfire seasons require dog owners to be extra vigilant with their home’s indoor air quality. It is important to replace air conditioning filters and consider investing in a high-quality air purifier. It’s also recommended that dogs' time outside is reduced to short potty breaks and that other indoor exercise options be found. Making the proper preparations and being extra mindful of your dog’s health will lower the risk of health complications and help you both get through the wildfire season safely.

Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock