Yes, the Canadian Wildfires Could Be Impacting Your Pet’s Health
By: Jordan RiveraTiktok and Instagram have been filled with images of yellow skies on the East coast. All that air pollution can seriously impact your dog or cat's health. Here's how to keep them safe.
As New Yorkers, we're accustomed to dealing with quite a bit of pollution, but the recent wildfires in Canada have brought on a whole new level of smoky air to our city. So, what does this mean for our curious copilots? Let's chat.
Understanding the current situation with the Canadian wildfires
So here's the situation: right now, numerous wildfires are causing devastation in parts of Canada. The smoke from these fires is being transported by the wind, impacting major U.S. cities including New York, Philadelphia, and as far west as Chicago.
This isn't just about the visible haze in the sky, but the unseen particles in the smoke that are particularly harmful to our pets' smaller respiratory systems.
For us humans, we can handle a certain level of air pollution, but our pets? Not so much. So, it's super important we're proactive in protecting our soulful sidekicks.
Practical measures for protecting your pets from smoke and air pollution
Now let's get down to business: how can we keep our pets safe amidst this air pollution? Here are some steps you can take:
Indoor Safety First: Limit your pets' outdoor time on days with poor air quality. For dog owners, consider shorter walks during less smoky times like early mornings or late evenings.
Air Conditioning Tips: Utilize your AC to its fullest. Ensure the filters are clean, and if possible, set it to recirculate indoor air to avoid bringing in smoke.
Stay Hydrated: Water is essential for a healthy respiratory system. Make sure your pets have access to fresh water at all times.
Secure Your Windows: To keep smoke out of your home, it's best to keep windows and doors shut during this time.
Health Check: Keep a close eye on your pets for any signs of discomfort or respiratory distress like coughing, labored breathing, decreased appetite, or unusual lethargy.
Insurance: a safety net for your pets
While we're talking about safeguarding our pets, let's touch on pet insurance. No one likes to think about their pet falling ill or getting injured, but knowing that you're financially prepared can bring peace of mind.
Particularly for freak weather patterns that we as pet parents can't predict, getting pet insurance for our companions can help ensure their health in the long run.
Stay safe, NYC pet parents, and here's to clearer skies ahead for us and our pets!
Jordan Rivera is a passionate pet parent and a New Yorker through and through. When they're not sharing their experiences and tips on pet care, they can be found exploring the city's dog parks with their Corgi mix, Biscuit, and their rescue cat, Brooklyn.
