Pet Candy Veterinary Clinic Statement on Air Quality and Animal Health
Know the signs of illness and protect your animals during air quality alerts
Connecticut is currently experiencing poor air quality conditions affecting our region. At Pet Candy Veterinary, we want to help pet owners understand how these conditions affect our animals and what steps we can take to keep them safe.
Animals react to poor air conditions much like humans do. Certain groups face higher risks during air quality alerts, including birds, young animals, older animals, and those with existing heart or respiratory issues. If you notice any concerning changes in your pet, contact your veterinarian right away.
What to Watch For
Monitor your animals for signs that air quality is affecting their health. These include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, watery eyes, low energy, changes in their vocalizations or sounds, reduced appetite, and reduced thirst. If you see anything concerning, contact your veterinarian.
How to Protect Your Animals
Limit outdoor exercise. Although regular exercise with your pets is normally beneficial, strenuous outdoor activity is not recommended during poor air quality alerts. High activity levels increase respiratory exposure to harmful particles. Save that hike or run for when the air quality improves.
Reduce time outdoors. Keep animals indoors as much as possible during air quality alerts. Only allow them outside when absolutely necessary. Indoor spaces provide protection from elevated particle levels.
Improve indoor air quality. Keep doors and windows closed during air quality alerts. Use fans or air conditioning units with air filters to promote clean air circulation, and replace filters regularly. Air purifiers can help reduce particles that do make it indoors.
If you have questions about how air quality is affecting your animals or if you notice any signs of distress, reach out to Pet Candy Veterinary or your regular veterinarian. We're here to help.
Resources for More Information
Visit the EPA's interactive air quality map at https://gispub.epa.gov/airnow/
Sign up for air quality alerts through the EnviroFlash system at https://www.enviroflash.info/signup.cfm
