‘Recipe for potential disaster’: The hazards of extreme heat, wildfire smoke on your pet
Global News
Amidst the intensifying wildfire season in Canada, experts are recommending pet owners to be mindful when it comes to allowing their furry friends outdoor time.
The combination of scorching heat waves and hazardous wildfire smoke is creating an onslaught of health risks for pets, and experts are warning it may be a recipe for disaster without proper precautions.
Whether it’s taking your dog for a walk around the block, letting your cat out on a leash in the backyard or giving your pet bird some exercise, experts are advising pet owners to exercise caution and limit outdoor activities when the air quality is poor or the weather is blistering.
Wildfire smoke and extreme heat can pose a serious health risk to dogs and cats, just like it does to humans, explained Dr. Ron Worb, the chief veterinarian at the Anderson Animal Hospital and Wellness Center in Winnipeg.
“There’s a lot of irritants in the air from wildfires, and then you add in hot weather, that is definitely a recipe for potential disaster,” he warned.
However, he acknowledged pets, such as dogs, still require outdoor activities, even during periods of heightened wildfire smoke or heat.
“In those situations, one needs to leap to be a little creative and think a little bit outside the box,” Worb added.
As wildfires burn through forests and grasslands, they produce dense smoke that can be a major source of toxic air pollutants, which can contain fine particles known as PM 2.5 that are not visible to the human eye. The fine particles have the ability to penetrate deep into a dog’s lungs and bloodstream, sometimes leading to serious health effects, according to Health Canada.
The smoke from a wildfire can have a significant impact on, for example, a dog’s respiratory system. Like humans, when dogs inhale the smoke particles present in the air, it can irritate their respiratory tract and airways, explained Dr. Karen Ward, chief veterinary officer at the Toronto Humane Society.
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