Anytime wildfires are raging here in California, our vet line is flooded with calls asking how to keep pets safe. Here’s everything they want you to know about smoke inhalation and your dog.

Safety First, Always

If you’re in an area threatened by fire, move to safety as soon as possible. In some cases, gusty winds can spread fire dozens of feet in seconds; don’t wait until ordered to evacuate if there’s somewhere safe you can go now. If your house is in a vulnerable area and you leave your dog at home during the day while you’re at work, consider leaving her with a friend or at a reputable boarding facility until the threat has subsided.

The Threat of Smoke Inhalation

Any smoke inhalation is unhealthy. In ares affected by large wildfires, air quality will continue to be an issue for days and possibly weeks to come after the fire has been contained. It is imperative you understand the risks to your dog (and to humans!) posed by inhaling unsafe air.

Click here to check the air quality in your area right now.

Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other dangerous chemicals burned off of materials. Inhaling compromised air can cause respiratory distress and lead to long-term health issues over time.

Signs Your Dog is Suffering from Smoke Inhalation

If you’ve narrowly escaped a burn site, your dog has likely inhaled a significant amount of smoke. In fact, during house fires, most animals perish from smoke inhalation rather than burns as they attempt to “hide” from the fire itself. Have your pet evaluated by a local veterinarian immediately. If you live in an area that has poor air quality due to smoke, your pet could still be at risk.

Signs your dog is inhaling too much smoke include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Squinting and/or watery eyes
• Weakness/lethargy
• Confusion and/or lack of coordination
• Foaming at the mouth
• Strong smell of smoke on the fur

Smoke in the air, even minimal amounts, can cause your dog to tire more quickly than usual. Do not spend prolonged periods of time outside (i.e. skip the dog park!) and exercise at home if possible. Allow your dog to do her business outside, but make the trips quick. Remember that small dogs, old dogs, and puppies are particularly vulnerable to poor air quality issues. Your vet may be able to prescribe your dog a nebulizer to help her intake air more readily once she’s back inside. Keep all doors and windows closed at all times. Central air conditioners do NOT pull outside air into your home, so they’re safe to use even when there’s smoke in the air. If the air quality is making you uncomfortable, it’s already affecting your pet.