How to protect your pets from the worsening haze
With the sad news that this haze will be staying with us like a clingy ex, we should turn our attention to the ones in our lives that do matter: our pets.
Our lovely pet cats, dogs, rabbits, or other fuzzy critters breathe the same air you do, and unfortunately they are even more susceptible to the haze due to their smaller size.
Here’s what you gotta do to protect your furkids:
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible
- Use an air filter or air conditioner near them
- Limit outdoor time as much as possible
- If the pet is outdoors and unable to be kept indoors, try spraying water in a fine mist around the pet’s roaming areas
- Keep the fan running for them even when you’re away
- Provide fresh water every day, with ice cubes to cool them down
- Do not smoke or vape near them
- Keep (PET-SPECIFIC!) eye drops on hand to relieve itchy eyes
- Check them every day for signs of illness or discomfort, especially near the eyes and nose
All pets are at heightened risk of respiratory issues and general discomfort. If your pet has pre-existing health issues, keep an even closer eye on them.
Look out for:
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Unusual coughing, sneezing
- Vomiting, loss of appetite
- Swelling, irritated, red eyes
- Open-mouthed breathing (especially for cats!)
- Weakness/lethargy
- Unable to stand
If they’re exhibiting any of the above or otherwise seem unwell, bring them to a vet- especially if they’re rather old!
Pets tend to hide their discomfort pretty well, so you may easily mistaken their discomfort for being lazy.
Stay safe and keep your furkids safer!
