The first time I really understood that pets could be impacted by air quality was not a headline or a weather app away. It was watching my dog — normally unflappable on walks — putter to a stop, stare up at me with bleary exhaustion, and ask me with his watery eyes, “Can we go home now?”
At first, it didn’t feel like the stuff of drama. The sun was shining, the street looked normal,l and nothing smelled strange. But something was different. My dog wasn’t walking along, nose pressed to the ground as usual, sniffing at every tree and pulling toward squirrels. He was quieter. He coughed once, then again. And that night, he drank more water than usual and went to bed earlier.
So naturally, I consulted my phone, where I could see that the air quality index (AQI) had zoomed deep into “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” territory — because of wildfire smoke floating eastward from hundreds of miles away.
And many a pet owner learns the same way: not through a lesson, but rather through something that gave them pause.
Air quality is not just an issue of human health. It’s a pet safety issue. And once you know the basics, you can feel a bit more sure and secure when protecting your pet, especially during wildfire season, allergy spikes, smog-choked summer days, and downright dusty windy weather.
What Is Air Quality, Really?
Many people, when they hear “air quality,” think of thick smog or billows of smoke. But bad air quality can also be invisible. The AQI (Air Quality Index) is a measure used to provide the public with information on how clean or polluted the air in their area is, and what associated health risks might be of concern.
The AQI scale is set in ranges as follows:
- 0–50 (Good): You can safely stay outside
- 51–100 (Moderate): Generally fine, very sensitive animals may respond
- 101–150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Pets with respiratory problems may be affected.
- 151–200 (Unhealthy): Limit outdoor time, avoid exertion
- 201+ (Very Unhealthy/Hazardous): Stay indoors; only brief potty breaks
And the worst troublemakers for pets (and people) are fine particulate matter like PM 2. 5 and PM10, microscopic particles in smoke, dust, and pollution that can penetrate deep into the lungs.
Why Animals Are Sometimes Hit Harder Than People
Our pets are not similarly affected by air pollution.
Dogs, for instance, navigate the world via smell. That means they take more breaths, and deeper ones at that, when outside. In addition, the respiratory rate of many pets is faster than that of humans, particularly during play or walks. And since they are closer to the ground, they are less far from where pollutants can settle, particularly near roads and walkways.
Some pets are especially vulnerable:
- Older pets (lungs and hearts are not as strong)
- Puppies and kittens
- Short-muzzled breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs or Persian cats (short airways)
- Animals with asthma, bronchitis or heart disease
- Overweight pets
When the air quality begins to dip, these critters can exhibit symptoms earlier — and sometimes more pronounced.
Air concerns that pet owners forget to include on their watch list
The air is bad and not just in the ways we’re used to thinking about it (as wildfire smoke, say).
Below are some common triggers that can affect pets:
1) Wildfire smoke
Even when fires burn miles away, smoke can drift in and elevate PM2. 5 levels.
2) Urban smog and ozone
Ozone levels will often rise in the heat of summer, especially in busy cities.
3) Construction dust
Dust and particles can also irritate the eyes, nose, and lungs.
4) Pollen and seasonal allergens
Not “pollution” as we typically think of it, butit can be brutal on sensitive pets.
5) Indoor pollutants
Sometimes, the danger is inside:
- scented candles
- incense
- harsh cleaning sprays
- cigarette smoke
- heavy fragrances
An animal’s lungs don’t care where the irritant comes from, inside or out.
How to know if your pet is affected by the Air?
Pets can’t say, “My chest feels tight.” They show it through behavior.
Watch for mild-to-moderate signs like:
- watery eyes
- sneezing
- coughing
- nose discharge
- unusual tiredness
- reluctance to walk or play
More serious warning signs include:
- rapid breathing while resting
- wheezing
- extreme lethargy
- pale or bluish gums
- collapse
Don’t wait it out if you’re seeing any big symptoms — call your vet.
How to Check Air Quality Before Going on Walks
It takes less than 10 seconds to check AQI on your smartphone. But that little habit can save you days of misery for your pet.
Consider constructing a “walk routine” like this one:
- Check AQI before leashing up
- For when AQI is greater than 100, allow a shorter walk
- If the AQI is over 150, avoid it (potty break only)
Also, timing matters:
- Ozone is frequently lower in the early morning
- Combinations of wind and rain can temporarily clear the air
- Avoid walking along busy roads, which are pollution hotspots
Safer Outdoor Actions When AQI Is High
When air quality is lousy, the objective isn’t to panic — it’s to limit exposure.
Alternatives for long walks:
- indoor tug-of-war
- scent games
- obedience training refreshers
- puzzle feeders
- treat hide-and-seek
If your pet must go outside:
- keep it short (5–10 minutes)
- avoid running or heavy play
- choose shaded streets without much traffic
- bring water, especially on hot or smoky days
After coming indoors:
- clean paws and coat with a damp cloth
- rinse eyes gently if dusty
- offer water
This will help minimize the particles your pet brings into your home.
House Meow: A “Clean Air Home” for Your Pet
When the AQI is in the “unhealthy” or worse range, your indoor air becomes your pet’s safe space.
Simple steps:
- keep windows closed
- if available, run HEPA air purifier
Then we will vacuum whenever the canister fills, approx week.) From here, all emptying in the toilet area avoids that sucker.
- skip strong sprays and fragrances
- Produce a restful space not near outside doors/windows
- Think of it as storm prep — but for the lungs.
A Note on Owner Safety (Because Your Pets Count on You)
One under-appreciated fact: Your safety is your pet’s safety.
If the air is smoky, dusty, or otherwise irritating, you’re also breathing in those particles. And when you’re lightheaded, cranky, or shaky, it can be difficult to make good decisions for your pet.
Some pet owners have a barrier mask on hand for unavoidable visits the yard — especially on days with heavy smoke or blowing dust. I know of active dog owners who take the dog outside, keep a gaiter in their gear bag that is breathable, like the one made by USportsgear, because it’s just practical protection when you step out, and the air isn’t cooperating.
The trick is finding balance: Minimize exposure, keep activities gentle, and protect both ends of the leash.
When to Contact a Vet
Call your vet if:
- The symptoms remain for more than 24 hours
- Coughing or wheezing increases
- Your pet has had respiratory problems in the past
- Your pet seems to be abnormally fatigued or weak
Helpful info to share:
- current AQI level
- time spent outdoors
- symptoms and when they began
A Simple, Pet-Friendly AQI Routine
What I learned from that day with my dog was this: Air quality can alter the safety equation completely, even if the sky looks fine.
If you get nothing else out of this article, consider the following:
- Check AQI like you check the leash.
- It’s a small habit that can help head off big problems.
- Do what you love when the air is clean.
When it is not, modify the plan; your pet will still be loved, safe, and cared for, even if today’s “walk” means a puzzle toy on your living room floor.
