How to Protect Your Pets From Pollution

Science|How to Protect Your Pets From Pollution

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.

The good news, experts say, is that many of the steps that we take to protect ourselves from pollutants and environmental contaminants can also reduce the risks for our animal companions.

Here are some simple steps that experts recommend.

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, leisurely walks, and skipping any vigorous physical activities that could increase an animal’s respiration rate. Giving pets a quick once-over with a cleansing wipe or a damp towel when bringing them inside can also help because some pollutants have a tendency 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.

Consider protecting 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 moisturized and irritant-free, Dr. de Linde Henriksen said. Rubbing, squinting, redness, tearing or discharge are all signs to consult with a veterinarian, she added. “Seek veterinary help if you have any concerns,” she said.

Everyday precautions

Pollution is not just an outdoor problem. In the course of 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 recommend using ventilating fans, turning on air purifiers or opening windows when cooking, cleaning or doing other pollution-generating household tasks.

Other indoor pollutants tend to accumulate in dust and can be eliminated by regular vacuuming. “One of the best things that we can do for ourselves and our pets is actually vacuuming more, which I’ll be honest, I’m not particularly good at,” 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.

“A risk factor for infants and toddlers is that they often put things in their mouths like lead chips from peeling paint,” said Dr. Robert Wahl, an environmental epidemiologist at Michigan State University. “Similarly, pets often contact materials by smelling them in very close proximity and licking and even attempting to eat them.”

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. High levels of lead have also been found in some garden hoses, “which are often used to fill pet dishes outside,” Dr. Wahl said. Pet owners who plan to use hoses as a water source for their pets should purchase hoses labeled “drinking water safe.”

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.