Protect Your Dog Or Cat From Health Risks Due To Wildfire Smoke In New York

The smoke from the Canadian wildfires not only poses a health risk to people, but pets are also susceptible to the harm that can come from breathing in poor-quality air. The U.S. Air Quality Index forecast for today, June 8, 2023, is dangerous in many regions of the state.

Sanjay Sethi, MD, division chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at UBMD Internal Medicine and the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, explains the Air Quality Index,

Wildfires affect air quality by adding particulate matter, ozone and other gases into the air, all of which make air quality worse. The Air Quality Index (AQI) takes into account all these pollutants, and if it exceeds 100, short term health effects are likely and precautions need to be taken.

Central New York Region
160 PM2.5
Unhealthy

Eastern Lake Ontario Region
101 PM2.5
USG

Long Island
160 PM2.5
Unhealthy

Lower Hudson Valley Region
140 PM2.5
USG

Upper Hudson Valley Region
130 PM2.5
USG

New York City Region
170 PM2.5
Unhealthy

Western New York Region
160 PM2.5
Unhealthy

Keep Your Pets Safe From Breathing Unhealthy Air

The poor air quality caused by the Canadian wildfires not only affects people, it also affects pets. As you can see from the Air Quality Index numbers above, many regions in the state will experience unhealthy air today. Dr. Thomas Edling, American Humane's Chief Veterinary Officer, has put together a checklist to help pet parents keep their furry loved ones safe.

Smoky conditions triggered by wildfires can affect cats and dogs just like humans, and pet owners should act accordingly. Shorter walks to avoid strained breathing and monitoring your animal for coughing, sneezing, and general respiratory issues is recommended. Animals with inherent breathing problems—including French Bulldogs and Pugs—or older animals should be under even closer observation. Americans should take precautions to keep all members of their family safe—even the furry ones.

- Limit how much time your pet spends outdoors
- Make sure windows and doors remain closed
- Avoid having your pet participate in strenuous exercise outdoors
- Make bathroom breaks short and return indoors immediately
- Bring outdoor water and food bowls inside