Published on July 17, 2026
Smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota has pushed unhealthy air quality across large parts of the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic this week, affecting an estimated 115 million people. Pets are breathing the same air. They just can’t tell you when it’s bothering them.
Here’s what’s actually going on, and what to do about it.
Why Smoke Hits Pets Differently Than People
A few things stack the odds against pets during smoke events:
- They breathe faster. Dogs and cats have higher respiratory rates than humans relative to their size, which means more exposure per minute spent outside.
- Smoke can trigger a fight-or-flight response. Because animals may not understand that there is no immediate danger, they may display more defensive or aggressive behavior.
- They can’t self-report. A person with a scratchy throat says something. A pet just gets quieter, or stops wanting to play, and that’s easy to miss.
Who’s Most at Risk
- Brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Persian cats) already have compromised airways and struggle more with any additional respiratory load.
- Senior pets and those with existing heart or lung conditions are more vulnerable to particulate matter, similar to at-risk groups in humans.
- Birds are especially sensitive and should not be allowed outside while smoke is still present.
- Cats, in general, are skilled at hiding illness or discomfort until it’s fairly advanced.
Signs of Smoke Exposure to Watch For
- Coughing or gagging
- Wheezing or labored breathing
- Red, watery, or squinting eyes
- Nasal discharge
- Reduced appetite
- Lethargy or reluctance to move
- Disorientation
Any of these, especially in combination, is a reason to call a veterinarian rather than wait it out.
What to Do During a Smoke Event
- Check the air quality index (AQI) before letting pets outside. If it’s unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, keep outdoor time to brief bathroom breaks only.
- Keep pets indoors with windows closed. An air purifier helps if you have one.
- Skip strenuous exercise. Harder breathing means more smoke intake.
- Watch birds especially closely. Consider relocating cages away from windows or doors that get opened frequently.
- Don’t rely on a mask. Pet respiratory masks aren’t well-proven and can add stress without meaningfully filtering air.
When to Call the Vet
If your pet is coughing persistently, breathing with visible effort, or acting unusually withdrawn, do not take a wait-and-see approach. Smoke inhalation can lead to serious complications, including carbon monoxide poisoning, pneumonia, respiratory injury, and neurological damage. Seek veterinary care promptly.
This is a sensitive and evolving situation; if you’re in an affected area, checking local AQI reports daily is the most reliable way to know when it’s safe for pets to be outside again.
Related Blogs:
- How Airline Summer Heat Embargoes Affect Pet Travel
- Summer Pet Travel Restrictions: What Pet Parents Need to Know
Moving your pet across the world just got less stressful. Valerie Neyra, Marketing Coordinator at WorldCare Pet and devoted cat mom to Lucky, creates the guides, tools, and resources pet parents need to navigate domestic and international pet transport with confidence. Her mission? Making sure no pet owner feels alone during a global move.