For several days, it has been difficult not to see (or smell) the smog caused by the forest fires currently raging in northern Quebec. This certainly has an impact on human health, but also on animal health. But what about our pets?
As I write these lines, some fires are still not under control and smog warnings are still in effect in several municipalities in Quebec. Montreal was even on the list of the most polluted cities in the world, according to the IQAir website. High concentrations of fine particles from forest fires lead to poor air quality.
We all know it can affect us. In fact, according to Environment Canada, smog can particularly affect those who are most vulnerable to it: asthmatic children and people with respiratory or cardiac diseases. People who are more vulnerable are recommended to limit physical activity or altogether not to do it outside and to close the windows of their houses during these periods. Should we do the same with Pitou and Minou? Absolutely ! Animals need to breathe as much as we do…
Respiratory attacks
Some pets are particularly at risk during smog episodes. First, all those who have heart or respiratory problems. Like us, they will be directly affected by poor air quality. I am thinking, among others, of asthmatic cats which are prone to intense respiratory attacks when they are not well controlled.
In addition, brachycephalic dogs and cats, meaning those with squashed or flattened muzzles such as pugs, French bulldogs and Persians, are also at greater risk. Their physical conformation means that their respiratory system is already much less efficient naturally. Already they don’t breathe very well at rest, so imagine…
In the same vein, obese animals, less fit and with limited inspiratory expansion, are also more likely to have respiratory problems in periods of smog.
Finally, you should also know that birds are very sensitive to the various pollutants found in smoke and to pollution in general because their respiratory system is more efficient than that of mammals in absorbing oxygen, but also pollutants… They are therefore extremely susceptible to developing respiratory problems with any type of smoke (cigarettes, cigars, fires, vaporizers, incense, scented candles, etc.). It is therefore necessary to avoid at all costs to put them in the presence of smoke.
Caution
So how can we help our animals and lessen the impact of smog on them? Avoid letting them spend too much time outside. We only go out for small needs. In addition, we certainly avoid all intense or prolonged physical activities with them.
Then we close the windows, as is also recommended for us. In the house, the air filter in the ventilation system is changed regularly and vacuuming is done frequently to remove irritating particles.
We remain vigilant with animals at risk. If they show signs of respiratory problems (cough, difficult or rapid breathing, breathing with their mouth open, watery eyes, eye irritation, fatigue, etc.), their veterinarian is contacted without delay.