UF Vets: Smoke From Wildfires Could Threaten Animals’ Health

June 24, 1998

GAINESVILLE — In this period of drought and ever-present wildfires, a breath of fresh air is not what it once was — for people or for pets.

“Smoke and other respiratory pollutants are of definite concern due to the irritation they cause to the airway,” said Michael Schaer, professor of small animal medicine at the University of Florida’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. “Animals who inhale smoke can develop inflammation of the bronchi and lungs, which may lead to such complications as bacterial pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.”

Signs to watch for include coughing, restlessness and increased respiratory rate and effort.

“The best remedy for respiratory problems of this nature is prevention,” Schaer added. “Pet owners who have an animal showing any of the above signs should remove the animal from the polluted environment as soon as possible and should avoid any unnecessary stress.”

Schaer said pets that experience sustained exposure to smoke and show any of the danger signs need veterinary attention. If untreated, problems can lead to permanent breathing trouble because of pulmonary scarring.

“The outdoor conditions such as we have here in North Florida right now probably won’t adversely affect pets unless they were exposed to a much stronger concentration, or if they had a pre-existing respiratory disease,” Schaer said.

Food animals also should not be in major danger from the smoke unless it becomes unusually dense, said UF’s Art Donovan, associate professor of food animal medicine.

“Generally, food animals handle things pretty well,” Donovan said. “It’s like with people: The young and the old are the most vulnerable.”

If forced to evacuate because of smoke or fire, pet owners should make arrangements in advance for where to take their pets, said John Snider, Alachua County Animal Control’s executive director.

Because of sanitation and safety issues, American Red Cross policies prohibit animals at evacuation shelters, said Constance Keeton, executive director of the Alachua Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Keeton recommends pet owners make copies of key veterinary health records, such as rabies certificates, to keep in a place other than the home, along with other critical household papers.

For more information, concerned pet owners should contact their local veterinarian.