Schaumburg, IL – As hazy skies and poor air quality affect much of the Midwest this week due to drifting wildfire smoke, veterinarians are warning pet and livestock owners to take urgent steps to protect their animals from harmful respiratory exposure.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), based in Schaumburg, Illinois, animals across the Midwest — including in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and surrounding states — are at risk when air quality deteriorates due to smoke. The health risks mirror those experienced by people, especially for pets with underlying heart or lung conditions.
“When wildfires affect air quality, it’s not just humans who are at risk; our animals are too,” said Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, AVMA president. “If you’re experiencing smoky conditions, your pets and livestock are feeling it too — and it’s essential to act quickly to reduce their exposure.”
The AVMA says common signs of smoke irritation in animals include coughing, labored breathing, eye irritation, fatigue, disorientation, and a reduced appetite. Bird owners are urged to be especially cautious, as birds are particularly sensitive to airborne particles and should be kept indoors at all times during smoke events.
To protect pets, Midwestern owners are advised to:
- Keep animals indoors with windows closed;
- Avoid outdoor walks or play during air quality alerts;
- Let pets out only briefly for bathroom breaks;
- Have a disaster kit ready with food, water, and medication.
For farmers and livestock owners, veterinarians recommend limiting animal movement, providing fresh water near feeding areas, and reducing dust by misting holding pens. Livestock exposed to smoke should be given several weeks to recover before being moved or transported.
The AVMA has published detailed guidelines for both pet and livestock safety, available through its online resource, “Wildfire smoke and animals.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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