Veterinarians warn of wildfire smoke risks to pets and livestock

AVMA offers tips to help keep pets safe during smoky conditions

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With wildfire smoke creating poor air quality across parts of the Midwest, East Coast and New England in recent days and expected in the days to come, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is reminding the public that wildfire smoke can pose serious health risks not only to people, but to pets and livestock as well.

"Wildfire smoke and animals," an online resource from the AVMA, shares tips for animal owners on keeping everyone safe during these natural disasters.

"When wildfires affect air quality, it's not just humans who are at risk; our animals are too," said Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, president of the AVMA. "If the air looks or smells smoky, or if you're feeling the effects yourself, it's best to take steps to make sure your pets are safe, and stay safe. Awareness and preparation can go a long way in protecting their health."

Signs of smoke irritation in animal

Smoke from wildfires contains fine particles that can cause respiratory issues in animals, especially those with pre-existing heart or lung disease. Pet owners should keep a close eye on their animals during poor air quality events and contact their veterinarian if any of the following signs appear:

• Coughing or gagging
• Difficulty breathing, including open mouth breathing and increased noise when breathing
• Eye irritation and excessive watering
• Inflammation of throat or mouth
• Nasal discharge
• Asthma-like symptoms
• Increased breathing rate
• Fatigue or weakness
• Disorientation or stumbling
• Reduced appetite and/or thirst

Tips to protect pets

• Keep pets indoors as much as possible, and keep your windows shut.
• Birds are particularly susceptible and should not be allowed outside when smoke or particulate matter are present.
• Let dogs and cats outside only for brief bathroom breaks if air quality alerts are in effect.
• Avoid intense outdoor exercise during periods of poor air quality. Exercise pets when dust and smoke has settled.
• Have a pet evacuation kit ready, and include your animals in your disaster preparedness planning.
• Read more tips to protect your pets from wildfire smoke. 

Tips to protect livestock

• Limit exercise when smoke is visible. Especially don't require animals to perform activities that substantively increase airflow into and out of the lungs.
• Provide plenty of fresh water near feeding areas.
• Limit dust exposure by feeding low-dust or dust-free feeds and sprinkling or misting the livestock holding area.
• Plan to give livestock 4 to 6 weeks to recuperate after the air quality returns to normal. Attempting to handle, move, or transport livestock may delay healing and compromise your animals' performance.
• Have a livestock evacuation plan ready in advance. If you don't have enough trailers to quickly transport all of your animals, contact neighbors, local haulers, farmers, producers, or other transportation providers to establish a network of reliable resources that can provide transportation in the event you need to evacuate your animals.
• Good barn and field maintenance can reduce fire danger for horses and other livestock. Make sure barns and other structures are stable, promptly remove dead trees, clear away brush, and maintain a defensible space around structures.
• Read more tips to protect your large animals and livestock from wildfire smoke. 

For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA senior media relations manager, at 847-732-6194 (cell/text) or msanfilippo@avma.org.

About the AVMA

Serving more than 108,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members' unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve animal and human health.

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SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association