How does polluted air affect dogs? Can I walk my dog or use a mask?

Question

So it was diwali (a hindu festival) here and its a festival in which literally millions of firecrackers are burnt. so now the air is very very polluted. even we humans are not able to breathe well. can i walk a dog in this condition? or keep him at home until the air gets better? are there any masks for dogs or can i make one? what are any health problems polluted air could cause? Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 14 days old | 4 lbs

Shaneez Wallani, DVM · Accepted Answer

This is an excellent question! In general, if the air is polluted enough to cause difficulties for humans, then it may irritate dogs' respiratory systems as well, so it is best to keep Tobi's walks short (and make sure he is on a leash) until the air is clear. You can wipe Tobi's face down when you bring him back inside to reduce the amount of irritants on his face, but most dogs do not tolerate masks well, so putting a mask on him might irritate him. I don't recommend trying it as it could obstruct his breathing. It is a good idea to keep Tobi indoors when fireworks are occurring, as some dogs become very frightened and could run away and get injured due to the noise and lights. Visit the links below for information on how to keep your pet safe during fireworks and how to handle anxiety related to fireworks: http://ontariospca.ca/media-centre/media-releases/86-fireworks-can-spook-your-pet-the-ontario-spca-reminds-you-to-practice-pet-safety.html https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952947

How does polluted air affect dogs? Can I walk my dog or use a mask?

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