As pet owners, we do everything we can to keep our furry companions safe and healthy. But with pollution levels on the rise and wildfires becoming more frequent, a new concern has entered the picture: how air quality affects pets. Is it safe to walk your dog when the air looks hazy? Should your cat stay inside on high-smoke days? In this comprehensive guide, we explore the connection between air quality and pet health, and what you can do to protect your animals.

Understanding Air Quality

What Is Air Quality?

When we think about clean air, we usually picture blue skies and fresh breezes. But what’s invisible can often be the most dangerous—especially to our pets. Air quality refers to how polluted the air is, and it’s measured by levels of particulate matter (PM), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and other pollutants. These airborne toxins can harm our lungs, and the same goes for the sensitive respiratory systems of animals.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a scale used around the world to help us gauge how healthy or dangerous the air is on any given day. A score of 0–50 is considered safe, while anything above 100 poses a risk to sensitive groups—including our pets. Once the AQI hits 150 or more, the air is considered unhealthy for everyone.

If your city or town experiences frequent smog, wildfires, or industrial pollution, your pet could be at risk.

 

The Air Quality Index (AQI)

The AQI is a standardized tool that helps you understand air pollution levels and how they might affect your health. Here’s how it breaks down:

• 0–50: Good (no risk to pets)

• 51–100: Moderate (safe for most pets)

• 101–150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups (elderly or sick pets)

• 151–200: Unhealthy (risk to all pets)

• 201–300: Very Unhealthy

• 301–500: Hazardous

Understanding this scale is crucial for making informed decisions about your pet’s activities.

How Poor Air Quality Affects Pets

Just like us, animals breathe in the surrounding air with every breath. But unlike us, they often do it closer to the ground—where pollutants can concentrate. Dogs sniff during walks, cats lounge by open windows, and birds rely on efficient respiratory systems that make them even more vulnerable.

Physical Health Concerns

Your pet may not show signs immediately, but over time, poor air quality can lead to real health issues:

• Irritated airways, resulting in coughing or sneezing

• Inflammation in the lungs

• Increased risk of respiratory infections

• Fatigue or lack of interest in play

These effects are even more pronounced in older pets, those with pre-existing conditions, and brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Persian cats.

Changes in Behavior

It’s also common for pets to show behavioral changes before physical ones. Some dogs may appear listless or disoriented. Cats might hide more often or stop grooming themselves. Pay attention to subtle cues—your pet’s mood is often a reflection of their health.

 

Spotting the Warning Signs

You don’t need to be a vet to recognize when something’s off. There are two types of signals you should be watching: those from your environment, and those from your pet.

Environmental Clues

If you step outside and notice any of the following, it’s a good idea to rethink that walk or patio session:

• The sky looks grey, foggy, or has a visible haze

• You smell burning wood, chemicals, or vehicle exhaust

• Local health officials have issued an air quality alert

Pet Symptoms

Not all animals react the same way, but here are some red flags:

• Heavy or labored breathing

• Frequent sneezing or coughing

• Red or watery eyes

• Excessive panting, especially in dogs

• Refusal to go outside or eat

If your pet is showing any of these signs, it’s best to bring them indoors and monitor their condition.

 

When Is It Safe to Go Outside?

Before heading outside with your pet, it’s a good idea to check the Air Quality Index (AQI) for your area. You can use tools like an Index (AQHI) tracker to monitor real-time conditions. For pet owners in Edmonton, the local AQHI data can give you a clear picture of when it’s safe to be outdoors.

As a general rule, if the AQI is under 100, outdoor activities are usually safe for most pets. If the AQI falls between 100 and 150, you should exercise caution, especially with animals that are older, very young, or have existing respiratory issues. Once the AQI goes above 150, it’s best to avoid outdoor exposure altogether.

Certain pets are more sensitive to air pollution. Senior animals, puppies, kittens, and flat-faced breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Persians are particularly vulnerable. Pets with asthma or heart conditions should be kept indoors even at moderately poor air quality levels. Always tailor your decisions not just based on the AQI, but on your individual pet’s health status as well.. Flat-nosed breeds, pets with heart or lung conditions, and young or elderly animals should avoid outside exposure even at moderate AQI levels.

 

How to Protect Pets From Poor Air Quality

1. Limit Outdoor Exposure

• Walk dogs during low-AQI times: early morning or late evening.

• Keep cats indoors entirely on smoky days.

• Shorten walks and opt for indoor play.

2. Keep Indoor Air Clean

• Use a HEPA-filter air purifier.

• Close windows and doors.

• Avoid vacuuming without a HEPA filter (can stir up pollutants).

• Avoid using candles or incense during high pollution periods.

3. Use Dog Masks (When Appropriate)

Some companies offer masks for dogs that filter out pollutants. Only use them if:

• Recommended by a veterinarian

• Your dog is calm enough to wear them safely

Never use human N95 masks on pets.

4. Clean Your Pet’s Fur and Paws

Pollutants can settle on your pet’s fur and paws.

• Wipe them down after outdoor exposure

• Bathe them more frequently during smoky seasons

5. Maintain Hydration and Nutrition

Pollution can dry out your pet’s airways.

• Ensure constant access to water

• Feed nutrient-rich food to support immune health

Consulting Your Vet

When to Seek Help

Contact your vet if your pet:

• Has difficulty breathing

• Is coughing persistently

• Seems lethargic or refuses to eat

What to Discuss

Ask about:

• Preventative medications (e.g., inhalers for dogs with asthma)

• Supplements that support lung health

• Whether to change activity routines during wildfire season

Vets may also recommend chest x-rays or oxygen support in extreme cases.

Long-Term Effects of Bad Air on Pets

Chronic Health Risks

Extended exposure to poor air quality can lead to:

• Chronic bronchitis

• Lung tissue damage

• Asthma development

• Heart strain

This is especially true in cities with persistent smog or wildfire-prone areas.

Emotional and Behavioral Changes

Pets under chronic stress may:

• Develop separation anxiety

• Show changes in sleep patterns

• Become less playful or more aggressive

These changes may require behavioral therapy in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Quality and Pets

Can I walk my dog when it’s smoky out?

Avoid it if the AQI is over 150. Even lower AQI levels can be harmful to sensitive dogs.

What symptoms mean my pet is being affected by bad air?

• Heavy breathing

• Coughing

• Red, watery eyes

• Excessive licking (especially of paws)

• Anxiety or hiding

Which pets are most at risk?

• Birds

• Brachycephalic dog and cat breeds

• Senior animals

• Pets with heart or lung issues

Are indoor pets safe during wildfire season?

Safer—but not totally immune. Use air purifiers and seal windows to reduce indoor pollutant levels.

Can I use a human mask on my dog?

No. Human masks are not shaped for animal snouts and may cause distress or breathing difficulty.

How Air Quality Affects Pets Conclusion

Our pets rely on us to make the best decisions for their health and safety. As environmental conditions worsen due to climate change and human activity, it’s more important than ever to stay informed. By understanding how air quality affects pets and taking simple yet effective steps to protect them, you can reduce their risk of short-term discomfort and long-term illness.

Be proactive, stay informed, and trust your instincts. When in doubt—stay inside, purify your air, and give your pet an extra treat for being such a good sport.

Because clean air isn’t just a human right—it’s a pet’s right too.