How does polluted air affect dogs? Can I walk my dog or use a mask?

Hi and good question! The short answer to this is... yes! Smoke inhalation can also cause health problems for our pets as well. Like humans, dogs can experience compromised lung function due to exposure to smoke. Dogs that have underlying health issues such as COPD, heart disease, lung disease, or who are of the Brachycephalic breeds are more at risk. Please keep Holly away from the smoke!

I would recommend not taking him to the dog park. I have seen a lot of dog's come in with irritated eyes when there were wildfires last time. It can bother their eyes and lungs. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I am very sorry to hear that this has happened to Turbo. I would suggest the following; Turn a bathroom into a steam room by leaving a hot shower in for a few minutes? Then bring into the bathroom (not the shower) Turbo so he can breathe the steamy air and help his airways. place a humidifier in the room that Turbo sleeps in Use a harness instead of a throat collar Www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=33614 Robitussin can be used to help alleviate coughs, here is the caveat: there are many conditions that cause coughing in dogs, and infectious tracheobronchitis and collapsing trachea are only two of them. Dogs should not be given over-the-counter cough suppressants unless serious conditions like pneumonia, heart disease, and lung cancer have been definitively ruled out by your veterinarian. https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-human-medications-that-are-sometimes-safe-for-sick-pets/ I hope this helps and that you two stay safe!

Yes, they definitely can. Keep them indoors as much as possible. Do not let the cat outside, set up a litter box from him inside. Only take your dog out to potty, and bring him right back in when he's done.

The safest bet would be to take Graham to the vet or to a veterinary ER as any respiratory issues are especially concerning in brachycephalic breeds (including pug mixes) that have compromised airways due to their anatomy. Smoke inhalation can be very serious in dogs (as well as all animals and humans), resulting in inflammation of their airways. Many chemicals in smoke can also cause airways damage. Your vet/ER vet may recommend keeping him in an oxygen cage and administering steroids and/or bronchdiators until he is breathing normally again. I would definitely keep him inside until you are able to bring him to the vet. Good luck!

Similar to humans, fumes can be irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. If the ventilation was appropriate enough that you were comfortable then likely your dog was too. If you were wearing a mask then your dog probably should not be in that area. Watch for any coughing or difficulty breathing. If this occurs then I would encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Best of luck and I hope she does well. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Goodness! I think that you should shorten the walks or only walk him in the early morning or evening when it is cooler out. His breed (or any smooshed faced) breed can have significant problems breathing, especially on hot, humid days. If he is coughing and/or vomiting after a walk that is serious and may be a sign of heat stroke. You may want to discuss airway surgery with your Vet: stenotic nares, over long soft palpate and everted saccules. Dogs of his breed that have significant breathing abnormalities may benefit from surgery. Also keeping him thin and lean helps with their airway problems. Otherwise, hose him down with cold water and put him in front of a fan. I wish you and King Midas the best!