{"id":956,"date":"2020-10-29T14:53:38","date_gmt":"2020-10-29T14:53:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sbahvet.com\/?p=956"},"modified":"2020-10-29T14:53:38","modified_gmt":"2020-10-29T14:53:38","slug":"fast-acting-the-best-ways-to-protect-your-pet-from-smoke-and-wildfires","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sbahvet.com\/blog\/fast-acting-the-best-ways-to-protect-your-pet-from-smoke-and-wildfires\/","title":{"rendered":"Fast Acting: The Best Ways to Protect Your Pet From Smoke and Wildfires"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is simply part of life here in California. Various disasters like earthquakes, mudslides, and wildfires force people out of their homes every single year, and without preparations, the consequences can be dire.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even when a natural disaster isn\u2019t right around the corner, though, pets and people can still be affected by it. Wildfire smoke can cause dangerous symptoms even if the flames are many miles away. As a result, it is important to know how to protect your pet from smoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wildfire Particulate Matter<\/span><\/h2>\n

Fires all over the west have created health challenges for numerous animal species. Unlike livestock and wild animals, pets have the ability to <\/span>stay indoors <\/span><\/a>when air quality plummets. Keeping your pet inside the house with the windows sealed shut is the best way to control their exposure to the harmful effects of smoke, burned chemicals, and fine particulates.<\/span><\/p>\n

Way Of Life<\/span><\/h3>\n

Many pets find it hard to adjust to this new way of life, but hopefully, the situation is temporary and it sure beats the alternative!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll still be able to take them outside for short bathroom breaks, but it\u2019s essential to limit their <\/span>exertion levels<\/span><\/a> while out of the house. Watch the news for air quality reports every day and plan around times of the day when the smoke is least potent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Increased Risk from Wildfire Smoke<\/span><\/h3>\n

Carbon monoxide can be extremely harmful when inhaled with wildfire smoke, but it\u2019s not the only risk. Hydrogen cyanide can occur when various synthetic materials are burned. Fine particulate matter can lead to serious lung injuries or illness, including bacterial pneumonia. Finally, thermal burns in a pet\u2019s airways are not only painful but can lead to low-levels of oxygen circulating in the bloodstream and shortness of breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

Know the Signs of Smoke Inhalation<\/span><\/h3>\n

To protect your pet from smoke, it\u2019s necessary to be able to identify the signs of smoke or dust inhalation:<\/span><\/p>\n