Wildfires are becoming more common across Canada, the United States, and many other parts of North America and the world. Even if a wildfire is far away, smoke can travel long distances and affect air quality where you live. People often pay attention to air quality alerts for themselves, but it’s easy to forget that our pets breathe the same air we do.
From dealing with smoky skies to returning after evacuation, here are some tips to keep your pets safe during wildfire season.
Stage 1: When Smoke Is in the Air
Wildfire smoke doesn’t have to be close to your home to affect your pet. Fine particles in smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, making it harder and potentially damaging for pets to breathe.
While any pet can be affected, some are at greater risk, including:
- Puppies and kittens
- Senior pets
- Pregnant animals
- Pets with heart or lung disease
- Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Persian cats, and Himalayan cats
Reduce Your Pet’s Smoke Exposure
When air quality alerts are issued, a few simple changes can make a big difference.
- Keep outdoor time short: Dogs still need bathroom breaks, but keep walks brief and avoid vigorous exercise such as running, hiking, or playing fetch. Cats should stay indoors whenever possible until air quality improves.
- Keep indoor air as clean as possible: Close windows and doors to keep smoke outside. If you have air conditioning, use the recirculation setting. A portable HEPA air purifier can also help improve indoor air quality.
- Make sure fresh water is always available: Smoke and hot weather can increase your pet’s need for water. Encourage them to drink frequently.
- Reduce other sources of indoor air pollution: Avoid smoking indoors or burning candles, incense, or wood fires while outdoor air quality is poor.
- Clean your pet after being outside: Smoke particles and ash can settle on fur and paws. After each trip outside:
- Wipe paws with a damp cloth.
- Brush or gently wipe ash from the coat.
- Prevent your pet from licking excessive ash from their fur.
Know the Warning Signs
Watch your pet closely during periods of poor air quality. Signs that smoke may be affecting them include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Rapid or difficult breathing
- Eye redness or excessive tearing
- Nasal discharge
- Fatigue
- Reduced appetite
- Reluctance to exercise
If your pet is struggling to breathe, collapses, or their symptoms worsen, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Stage 2: Be Ready Before an Evacuation
Wildfires can spread quickly, leaving little time to prepare. The best time to make a plan is before you ever need one.
Pack a Pet Emergency Kit
Keep supplies together in an easy-to-carry container so they’re ready to grab at a moment’s notice. Include:
- Food for several days
- Bottled water
- Food and water bowls
- Medications
- Copies of medical records and vaccination history
- Leash, harness, and carrier
- Waste bags or litter supplies
- Blankets or favourite toys
- Basic first aid supplies
- Contact information for your veterinarian and emergency veterinary clinics
Check your kit regularly to replace expired food, medications, and batteries if needed.
Keep Identification Current
During emergencies, pets sometimes become separated from their families. Make sure your pet:
- Wears a collar with up-to-date identification tags.
- Has a registered microchip with current contact information.
- Has recent photographs in case you need to help identify them.
Know Where You’ll Go
Not every emergency shelter accepts pets. Before wildfire season, identify:
- Pet-friendly hotels
- Friends or family outside the evacuation zone who could help
- Boarding facilities
- Veterinary clinics that may provide temporary shelter
Having several options can reduce stress if an evacuation order is issued.
Stage 3: If You Have to Evacuate
If local authorities tell you to leave, don’t wait.
Conditions can change rapidly, and roads may become unsafe with little warning.
Take Your Pets With You
Never leave pets behind unless emergency responders specifically instruct you to do so because of an immediate threat to human life.
Even if you expect to return home quickly, evacuation orders can remain in place much longer than anticipated.
Transport Them Safely
Travel can be stressful for animals. For everyone’s safety:
- Dogs should travel on a leash or in a secured crate.
- Cats and small pets should always travel in secure carriers.
- Your pets should have identification on them at all times.
- Bring enough food, water, and medications for several days.
Help Reduce Stress
Wildfires can be frightening for pets. Once you’ve reached safety, try to reduce their stress:
- Offer water regularly.
- Feed them on their normal schedule whenever possible.
- Provide familiar bedding or toys.
- Keep dogs leashed and cats safely contained until they’re comfortable in the new environment.
Stage 4: Returning Home Safely
Even after evacuation orders are lifted, your home and yard may still contain hazards.
Before allowing pets to roam freely, inspect your property for:
- Hot spots or smouldering debris
- Sharp metal or broken glass
- Damaged fences
- Downed power lines
- Ash and soot
- Contaminated standing water
Keep dogs on a leash while exploring the property and keep cats indoors until you’ve confirmed the area is safe.
After spending time outside, wipe ash from paws and coats, and discourage pets from drinking from puddles or other potentially contaminated water sources.
Continue monitoring your pet over the next several days. If you notice coughing, breathing difficulties, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behaviour, schedule a veterinary examination.
Preparation Is the Best Protection
Wildfires don’t only threaten homes—they can also affect the health and safety of our pets. Fortunately, a little planning goes a long way.
When smoke fills the air, reducing outdoor exposure and watching for signs of respiratory problems can help keep your pet comfortable. If an evacuation becomes necessary, having an emergency kit and a plan already in place allows you to focus on getting everyone to safety.
You can’t control when wildfires happen, but you can be prepared. By thinking ahead today, you’ll be ready to protect your pets tomorrow—whether the challenge is smoky skies, an evacuation order, or the journey home afterward.
