Keep reading to learn what wildfire smoke consists of, which pets are especially vulnerable to it, and how you can keep your fur-babies safe during wildfire season.
Every wildfire is different. The contents of the smoke vary depending on an array of factors, like the temperature of the fire and the materials burned.
Roughly 80% of wildfire smoke is comprised of fine particulate matter. (A human hair is more than 30 times larger than the biggest fine particles.) Fine particles are especially dangerous because they can infiltrate the lungs,
pass into the bloodstream, and settle deep within the body. In humans, this triggers an immune response, which releases the same cells that fend off viruses.
Unfortunately, that immune response doesn't break down those particles, which increases the risk of chronic inflammation. To make matters worse, prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke keeps the ineffective immune response active for longer, which can damage the major organs.
Inflamed sinuses and nasal passages can produce excess mucus. Dogs often swallow this mucus, which can lead to
vomiting. Other symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure include:
Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and polycyclic aromatic compounds are just a few toxins that comprise wildfire smoke. A
study by the California Air Resources Board found that wildfires can also increase lead, zinc, and iron levels in the air by up to 50 times. Below, we've detailed how these toxins affect your pets' health.
Carbon monoxide
Hemoglobin is a molecule in the blood that transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Conversely, hemoglobin prefers to bind with carbon monoxide over oxygen. So when your pet breathes in wildfire smoke that contains high levels of carbon monoxide, hemoglobin picks it up instead of the oxygen and carries it throughout the body. This is one reason why
carbon monoxide poisoning is so dangerous.
Nitrogen dioxide
Polycyclic aromatic compounds
"Polycyclic aromatic compound" (PAC) is an umbrella term for a variety of environmental contaminants. PACs occur naturally in coal and fossil fuels. When burned, they can
linger in the air for a long time and are difficult to break down. While less is known about PACs' effects on the body than other toxins,
research shows some PACs can cause cancer and damage the reproductive organs and immune system.
Invest in an N-95 mask for your dog
The surgical masks used to minimize the spread of COVID-19 won't protect you or your pet from wildfire smoke. N-95 masks are available for dogs — and if you'll be spending a significant amount of time outdoors in an area with heavy smoke, you might want to buy one.
Be sure to choose a mask that's approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). However, respirator masks make it hard to breathe, so use them sparingly and only when necessary.
Bring your cats inside
If you
let your cats roam, bring them indoors to keep them safe. This will not only protect them from inhaling wildfire smoke, but it will also keep them safe from other wildfire hazards, like severe burns.
Stay updated on weather conditions
Check the
air quality index in your area regularly. Download the National Weather Service app to get alerts on wildfires in your area. You'll receive
Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) messages on your phone if you're required to evacuate.
If you live in an area that's prone to wildfires, consider investing in pet insurance. Insuring your pet protects you from high vet costs related to severe symptoms of smoke inhalation. Use our
pet insurance comparison tool to see how pet insurance providers and policies stack up!