Clearing the air: Protecting pets from haze

SINGAPORE – The 24-hour Pollution Standards Index (PSI) breached 100 in parts of Singapore on Sept 4, tipping into the unhealthy range.

Understandably, some pet owners may have concerns about the impact of the haze on their beloved pets.

The adverse health effects of haze are relatively well studied in humans – it mainly affects the eyes, lungs and heart.

In contrast, research on the effects of haze on pets is limited. Available evidence suggests that poor air quality can affect animal health, especially the respiratory system.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the main pollutant of concern when it comes to haze. These particles are tiny, measuring less than 2.5 microns (or about 20 to 60 times smaller than the thickness of a strand of human hair). This allows them to be deposited within the lower airways and lungs, causing irritation.

Irritation can also occur when larger airborne pollutants are deposited in the upper airways.

Watch your pets for nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing and increased breathing effort or rate. In severe cases, animals may also have trouble breathing.

Haze may also irritate the eyes. Signs include squinting, increased or decreased tear production, and redness or unusual discharge from the eyes.

Animals that may be more vulnerable

While most animals can cope well with short-term spikes in air pollution, some pets may be more vulnerable. 

Animals with pre-existing diseases of the eyes, airways, lungs or heart are one such group. The presence of airborne pollutants may worsen and compound existing diseases.

Additionally, animals that have had these diseases for a long time may have underlying chronic changes that make them less able to adjust to an increased “strain”.

This group includes flat-faced breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, shih tzus, British shorthairs, as well as cats with feline asthma, many of which already experience varying degrees of airway obstruction even under normal circumstances.

Rabbits and rodents rely on breathing through their noses. These species are therefore less able to cope with even mild airway irritation.

Rabbits also have an extremely slow blink rate – as slow as three to four times an hour.

Blinking serves a protective function by lubricating the eye surface and removing debris. A slow blink rate may therefore mean that rabbits are more susceptible to the adverse effects of airborne pollutants deposited on the eye. 

Haze also impacts birds, which are designed for flight. Some, such as swifts, spend most of their lives in the air – foraging, drinking, mating and even sleeping on the wing. Their aerial lifestyle is enabled by a highly efficient respiratory system.

But this is a double-edged sword, as it also renders them particularly vulnerable to smoke, aerosols and fumes. This is why smoking in the house or using Teflon cookware should be avoided in households with pet birds.

Birds with breathing trouble may have a generally fluffed appearance, take deeper breaths and have a tail bob.

Protecting your pet

With an understanding of the potential effects of haze, how then can we protect our pets? Here are some tips to consider: 

1. Outdoors

Check PSI and PM2.5 levels before taking your pet outdoors.

As a precaution, reduce outdoor activities when the PSI reaches “unhealthy” levels, especially for vulnerable pets, and avoid outdoor activities altogether when the PSI reaches “very unhealthy” levels and beyond.

Avoid strenuous exercise and take shorter walks when the air quality is poor.

When exercising your pet outdoors, go in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler, or take shaded, well-ventilated routes.

During walks, monitor your pet closely for early signs of respiratory distress, such as increased panting, respiratory noise or reluctance to continue exercising.  

2. Indoors

In the absence of outdoor activities, take the opportunity to engage your pet in enrichment activities at home.

Attention should also be paid to the indoor environment. When haze levels are in the unhealthy range, close your windows where practical.

Using air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters can also help protect indoor air quality.

Regular cleaning of floors and furniture can help reduce pets’ exposure to particulate matter that has settled in the home.

Ultimately, it is important to monitor your pets closely during periods of high haze levels.

Seek prompt veterinary advice if your pet develops any of the above-mentioned signs. As a reminder, they include: