Although there is still much to learn about how pollution affects pets, it’s clear that smoky skies, contaminated water and toxin-laden house dust can be serious health hazards for a wide range of animals.
But experts say many steps we take to protect ourselves from pollutants and environmental contaminants can also reduce risks for our animal companions.
During air quality crises
When wildfires are raging nearby, or outdoor air quality has plummeted for other reasons, owners should limit the amount of time their animals spend outside, experts said.
That means taking dogs for quick bathroom breaks instead of long walks, and skipping vigorous physical activities that could increase an animal’s respiration rate.
Giving pets a once-over with a cleansing wipe or a damp towel when bringing them inside can also help because some pollutants tend to cling to animal fur.
Keep indoor air clean by ensuring that windows and doors remain closed and by running a high-quality air purifier.
Smoky or polluted air can also dry out the respiratory tract, so ensure that pets have plenty of fresh, clean drinking water.
Protect your pet’s eyes. “If your eyes are itchy, your dog’s eyes are most likely also itchy,” said Dr Michala de Linde Henriksen, a veterinary ophthalmologist at North Carolina State University who has studied the effects of wildfire smoke.
Two over-the-counter products — an eyewash and lubricating eye drops — can help keep an animal’s eyes moisturised and irritant-free, de Linde Henriksen said.
Rubbing, squinting, redness, tearing or discharge are all signs to consult with a veterinarian, she added.
Everyday precautions
In their daily lives, pets will also encounter an array of pollutants inside their homes.
“We live in our homes for a portion of the day,” said John Buchweitz, a veterinary toxicologist at Michigan State University.“Whereas our pets, that is their everything. That is their environment in which they spend a majority of their time.”
Gas stoves, candles, incense, cleaning products, perfumes and other common household products generate an assortment of potentially hazardous compounds.
Some of these chemicals waft around, and experts advise using ventilating fans, turning on air purifiers or opening windows when cooking, cleaning or doing other pollution-generating household tasks.
Other pollutants gather in dust and can be eliminated by regular vacuuming, said Olivia Sanderfoot, an ecologist at Cornell University who studies the effects of smoke and urban air pollution on animals.
To protect pets from lead poisoning, keep them away from peeling or chipping paint and at a safe distance from active renovations, especially in homes built before 1978, the year the use of lead-based paint was banned.
If your home’s water service line is made of lead, use a water filter and run the tap to flush the pipes before refilling your pet’s water bowl.
Old and imported ceramic dishes and some pet toys can also contain lead. Use food and water dishes made from other materials, or look for dishes and toys that are made in the United States, feature a “lead-free” label or are produced by reputable manufacturers. – ©2025 The New York Times Company
