Because of climate change and hotter summers, wildfires are becoming increasingly frequent. Already this summer, much of the country has dealt with wildfire smoke, either from local fires or smoke that has drifted into the region. The fires themselves are devastating, but inhaling far-reaching wildfire smoke can cause respiratory irritation not just for people, but also for our dogs.
As a dog trainer and owner of two active dogs, I usually spend a lot of time outside, but all that changes when the nearby forests are on fire. Here in Oregon, where I live, it’s become common in recent years to have a "fire season,” and for there to be days each summer where smoke fills my home.
As the air quality outside deteriorates in many parts of the country, I spoke with veterinarian Jolee Stegemoller, D.V.M., to learn more about how wildfire smoke can impact the health of our dogs and how we can keep them safe.
The dangers of wildfire smoke
“Air quality affects dogs just as it can people. I exercise the same caution when being outdoors for myself and my dogs,” explains Stegemoller. If there are warnings in your local area about a high Air Quality Index (AQI) impacting people, you’ll also want to exercise caution about how much time your dogs spend outside. This means limiting walks and other playtime.
Not only can wildfire smoke be an irritant, but it can also make your dog sick. With smoke exposure, Stegemoller warns to watch for symptoms including coughing, increased effort to breathe, and exercise intolerance, meaning a dog “doesn't want to go for long walks and seems more lethargic when outside,” she says.
While all dogs can be impacted by poor air quality, some dogs are likely to struggle more than others. Stegemoller recommends extra caution for dogs with respiratory problems, such as flat-faced (brachycephalic dogs) or those with bronchitis or cardiac disease. If your dog is struggling to breathe, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Smoky skies, stay inside
Even if your home is a safe distance from the wildfires, the presence of smoke is likely to have an impact on your dog’s day. If the AQI is high in your area and outdoor events are being canceled or limited for people, it’s a good idea to reevaluate what you’re going to be doing outside with your dog until air quality improves.
“I monitor the air quality index in my area and use this information to determine the best time to head out for a walk or a hike,” notes Stegemoller. “I don't do as much intense exercise in the smoke. A short walk while the weather is cooler and then we play more indoor games.”
I’m the same way with my own dogs: I limit our sports training and outdoor exercise when air quality conditions are poor and wait for them to improve before spending significant outside time with my dogs.
Wildfire smoke doesn’t have to make things boring for your dog. Poor air quality days are a perfect time to spend quality enrichment time inside where the air has been filtered. Food-stuffed hollow toys and dog chews are a great way to keep your dog mentally occupied when they can’t go for walks or play outside.
Smoky days are also a great time to teach your dog some new tricks or practice skills your dog knows like “sit” and “down.” Shifting from walks to inside training games helps to keep your dog active until you’re able to get back outside.
Should your dog wear a mask?
Living in the Pacific Northwest, where “smoke season” is becoming increasingly common each summer, city officials recommend people wear KN95 face masks when needing to be outside to filter out dangerous particles. I have started to see filtering masks being marketed for dogs to wear and was curious about their usefulness.
I asked Stegemoller for her opinion, and her advice was to pass. “I don't think these work well. The shape of the dog's head is so variable that a fit wouldn't be close enough to make a difference,” she says. She also advised that the masks could cause harm. “Dogs cool themselves by panting, so I would worry these would limit the ability of the dog to move air to allow for proper cooling. Heat stroke would be a very big concern and wouldn't be worth the risk,” she advises. “If it is smoky enough for a dog to need a mask, they probably shouldn't be outside.”
Stay aware & be prepared
Follow the news to stay updated about outside air quality, the direction of the fires, and any local updates about possible evacuations. Even if there is only smoke at your house now, it’s important to be prepared if the fires move into your local area and you need to evacuate with your dog.
“Have contact information on your dog's collar in the event they escape from your control during evacuation,” Stegemoller recommends. “Update microchip information, and have signs on the house indicating that a pet may be inside to alert fire rescue.”
As a dog trainer, I also recommend all dog owners keep an emergency “go bag” for their dogs, including vaccination and vet records, any medication your dog takes regularly, and a spare leash and harness. I also suggest having updated photos of your dog printed and digitally accessible in case you are separated and need support finding and being reunited with your dog.
