Wildfire smoke does not stop at city, state, or national borders. Today's news highlights how major wildfires are producing dangerous levels of fine-particle pollution, or PM2.5, that can travel far beyond the fire itself. Wildfires also damage habitats, disrupt communities, release stored carbon, and place additional pressure on health and emergency-response systems. (Reuters)
For pet families, poor air quality can affect every member of the household. The EPA's updated 2026 Wildfire Smoke Guide explains that smoke can irritate the eyes and respiratory tracts of people, pets, and livestock. Young, older, pregnant animals and animals with heart or lung disease may be especially vulnerable. Exposure to smoke and extreme heat together may create even greater risks.
A few steps can help protect people and animals during a smoke event:
• Check the Air Quality Index before walking, exercising, working, or allowing animals to spend extended time outdoors.
• Keep household pets inside in cleaner, cooler air when possible, and keep outdoor bathroom breaks brief.
• Reduce strenuous outdoor activity and make fresh water available at all times.
• Watch pets for coughing, gagging, trouble breathing, excessive panting, watery eyes, weakness, disorientation, or reduced appetite or thirst. Contact a veterinarian if symptoms occur.
• Include pets in evacuation planning, keep carriers and identification ready, and determine in advance which shelters or temporary accommodations accept animals.
The One Health lesson is clear: protecting air quality, preparing communities for smoke, and including animals in emergency planning are not separate responsibilities. They are interconnected parts of public health, animal health, environmental health, housing, transportation, emergency response, and community support.
Has wildfire smoke affected your community? What programs, partnerships, or practical strategies are helping pet families and animals stay safe?
Resources
AirNow Fire and Smoke Map:
https://fire.airnow.gov/
EPA Wildfire Smoke and Health Factsheets:
https://www.epa.gov/wildfires/wildfire-smoke-and-health-factsheets
EPA: Protect Your Pets from Wildfire Smoke:
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-06/protect-your-pets-factsheet.pdf
CDC Wildfire Safety and Health Information:
https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/about/index.html
Today's Reuters coverage:
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/wildfire-emissions-soar-exposing-millions-worse-air-pollution-2026-07-31/
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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Center for Pet Family Well-Being
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