There are a lot of studies that show how air pollution affects us, humans. But what about our pets?
We know that people exposed to too much air pollution may have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases or respiratory symptoms such as a persistent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness of chest, and chest pain. At the extreme end, too much air pollution can lead to premature death in at-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, and people with preexisting cardiovascular diseases. Do our pets face the same risks?
Scientists are just beginning to explore the negative effects of air pollution on pets, but most agree that when air quality is poor for humans, it is also poor for pets.
1.Using Indoor plants and air purifiers
Prevention is better than cure and it holds for pets as well. The best way to protect them from pollution is by making your home a safe zone, which can be done by keeping indoor plants that purify air, and in case one cannot take the responsibility of maintaining plants, they can invest in a good air-purifier.
2.Keep Pets Active to develop strong immunity
A healthy, fit, and active pet will not only be happier overall, but will naturally develop and stronger immune system and capable cardiovascular and respiratory system, as well as be capable of coping with temporarily negative conditions, when compared to a pet already in poor health. Plus, we all enjoy playing with our furry friends, so it’s a win-win for everybody! Being active with your pets will also help you to be better at gauging the environmental air quality, something that we learned from tip #1.
3.Give Pets Hypo-Allergenic Baths
“Anybody who doesn’t know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.” Said popular humorist, Franklin P. Jones. Allergens like pollen and pollutants like smoke can get stuck in your pet’s hair or fur. Dirty fur and hair can affect your pet’s respiratory system and result in coughing, licking, biting, and scratching.
When bathing your fur baby, use a pet-specific hypo-allergenic shampoo paired with a leave-in conditioner. Like humans, these specialty products can alleviate itchy skin and rashes, improve skin and hair health, and generally make your pet feel much more comfortable day to day, relieving them of many negative impacts of pollens and allergens.
4. Feed Pets Allergy Supplements
Each pet is different and special. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet or adding supplements to it. With their blessing, consider giving your pet fish oil caplets or oil. Naturally full of omega-3- fatty acids, they have a similar effect on pets as they do on humans, decreasing inflammation as well as the reaction to many allergens.
For even more health benefits, look for food brands that contain added omega’s and explain why fatty acids are key to good brain development and healthy fur and skin. You should also be mindful of the food that your pets eat, as many pet foods are packed with unhealthy fillers or products that can trigger allergies. Low quality pet food can lead to stomach and skin irritation, making it harder to know if your pet is suffering from poor air quality.
Given the constraint of space, we all take our pets for walks to nearby parks or streets, Unfortunately, some might be located near a high-traffic areas where pollution is undoubtedly high. It’s best to avoid such places.
5. Utilize an Air Purifier
The addition of an air purifier to your home can have amazing effects on the air your pets breathe as well as the air the rest of the family breathes too. While the bedroom and living room may seem like obvious choices for an air purifier, consider placing an air purifier where your pets spend most of their indoor time. If your pets have their own room or a room where they usually eat and sleep, an air purifier can aid in removing allergens, dust, pet dander, and other pollutants from the air. This will not only help your pet breathe better and feel more comfortable but will certainly help you breathe better and stay healthier as well.
7.Pay Attention to their Breathing
Consult your vet if you notice any signs of breathing issues. If your dog runs out of breath quickly or if it struggles to breathe under normal conditions, rush to the vet. Any kind of respiratory issues can be fatal and need to be taken seriously and treated as soon as possible.
