Wildfire smoke is a serious health hazard for both humans and animals, especially in areas where air quality is poor due to the fires.
Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, and cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and other respiratory problems, and can also worsen existing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and heart disease.
Dogs are particularly vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke, as they have more sensitive respiratory systems and tend to breathe faster and deeper than humans.
Dogs can also suffer from smoke inhalation if they are exposed to large amounts of smoke or are near a fire.
Smoke inhalation can cause severe symptoms such as disorientation, fainting, seizures, difficulty breathing and even death.
To protect their dogs from wildfire smoke, pet owners should keep them indoors as much as possible, with windows and doors closed and air conditioning on if available.
They should also limit their outdoor activities, such as walks and playtime, and provide them with plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Pet owners should also watch for signs of respiratory distress or eye irritation in their dogs, and seek veterinary attention if needed.
However, some pet owners have gone the extra mile to protect their dogs from wildfire smoke by creating homemade masks for them.
One such example is Emily Uhde from Rochester, New York, who made an "incredible" mask for her dog Siggi using a hotel shower cap and an N95 respirator mask.
How She Made the Mask
Uhde told Newsweek that she decided to make the mask for her dog after noticing that the air quality in her area was poor due to wildfire smoke coming from Canada.
She said that she had an N95 mask for herself, but she wanted to protect her dog as well.
The pet owner said that she used a shower cap because it had elastic that could fit over her dog's muzzle. She then cut a hole in the shower cap and inserted the N95 mask through it.
According to her, it only took her about five minutes to make the mask.
She said that she tested the mask on her dog by putting it on him and taking him outside for a few minutes, and that he seemed comfortable with it and did not try to take it off.
Uhde further said that she only used the mask when the air quality was very bad and that she did not leave it on him for too long.
She said that she shared a photo of her dog wearing the mask on Twitter because she thought it was funny and cute, but that she did not expect it to go viral and that she was surprised by the positive reactions from people.
Also Read: Perseid Meteor Shower Returns This 2021: Will Wildfire Smoke Obscure the View?
What Experts Say About Dog Masks
While Uhde's mask may have worked for her dog, experts say that pet owners should be careful when using homemade masks for their dogs.
They say that homemade masks may not fit properly or filter effectively, and that they may cause discomfort or breathing difficulties for dogs.
Dr. Sarah Nelson, a veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital, told Newsweek that while she appreciated Uhde's creativity and concern for her dog's health, she did not recommend using homemade masks for dogs.
She said that dogs have different facial structures than humans and that masks designed for humans may not fit them well or cover their noses and mouths adequately.
She said that masks may also interfere with dogs' ability to pant or regulate their body temperature.
The vet also said that instead of using homemade masks, pet owners should follow the general guidelines of keeping their dogs indoors when the air quality is poor, limiting their outdoor activities, providing them with water and monitoring them for signs of respiratory distress.
Dr Nelson advised pet owners to consult with their veterinarians if they have any questions or concerns about their dogs' health or well-being during wildfire season.
They should also be aware of the air quality in their area and avoid exposing their dogs to excessive smoke or other pollutants, and they should always keep an eye on their dogs for any signs of distress or discomfort and seek veterinary attention if needed.
Related article: Wildfire Smoke Particles Can Affect the Climate Longer Than Previously Expected