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Wildfire Smoke Effects Dogs
If wildfire smoke is affecting you, then it is also affecting your dog or cat - in all the same ways. As of August 2015, there have been a rash of firestorms across the Northwest United States, filling the atmosphere with smoke, soot, and tiny debris, and with few days of breathing relief. The smoke and the atmospheric debris created by the firestorms creates the same physical irritants for dogs as it does for their humans. Its important for owners and groomers to be especially aware of dog's behaviors and newly exhibited symptoms during firestorms, to ensure the safe-keeping of the pet during the grooming process. Dog's eyes, lungs, and respiratory systems can be affected by the smoke inhalation, sometimes in mild ways and sometimes in extreme ways, depending on the baseline respiratory health of the dog.
When seen as a new pattern during prolonged atmospheric smoke conditions, these are signs of eye irritation in dogs:
-Crusty, tight matted eye corners
-Squinting eyes
-Clear or slightly colored discharge from the eyes
-Red eyes, and/or inflamed whites of the eyes
-Pawing at the eyes, or rubbing the face on the ground
Signs of respiratory irritation in dogs:
-Exerting more effort to breathe
-Wheezing, coughing, and sneezing
-Stretching the neck out for easier breathing
-Faster than normal breathing rate
Dogs that have existing heart conditions, such as heart murmurs, or enlarged hearts, are especially at risk for complications during smoky days. Dogs experiencing extreme complications from existing heart conditions and smoke inhalation can show signs of sleepiness, dizziness, and even unconsciousness.
What can owners and groomers do to reduce irritation symptoms in dogs during smoky days?
-Use non-steroidal, lubricating eye drops
-Keep the door closed and use air-fine filters in the air conditioners
-Use Ionizer air filters indoors, especially in sleeping spaces
-Stay inside
-Keep heat and humidity levels low to reduce any extra stressors on the dog
Smoke pollution can adversely affect pets. Knowing environmental stress signs to look for can potential save your pets life, and at the very least, help alleviate the momentum of continued pollution symptoms.
DuAnn Chambers
Happy Pooch Tribune
www.thepoochparlor.net
