Dear Tiffani,

Since the wildfires have been blazing, my pets don’t seem to want to go outside much. I know the smoke has been affecting me, could it be troubling them as well?

Signed, Smoldering with Concern

Dear Smoldering,

We’re all feeling the affects of smoke from local fires and it can seriously affect our pets as well. Smoke and poor air quality can be hazardous to both human and pet health.Â

Here are a few tips to help minimize the risk to your pet:

• Keep your animals indoors as best as possible.

• Close your windows and doors, especially in the rooms where the animals are.

• Only minimal exercise outdoors is recommended, even for active dogs, and keep the exercise level low. Also, let them out only briefly to relieve themselves.Â

• Make sure all animals have extra water available, change it daily and rinse their dish regularly.Â

• If you absolutely have to keep your pets outside; please check on them often.Â

• The animals most at risk are seniors and those with heart conditions or asthma.

• If you do notice any eye irritation, you can rinse your pet’s eyes with commercial tear eye drops available at drug stores.

• If you see lots of eye redness, sneezing or coughing, please give your veterinarian a call.

• If your pet is getting anxious from being indoors so much during fire season, there are interactive toys for both dogs and cats. These toys stimulate the mind and provide physical activity. Set aside a little extra time to play with your pet indoors to replace the time they would be active outdoors. You may want to make indoor playdates with doggy friends in your home, or at friend’s home if they have more romping room. Doggy daycare can provide social interaction and exercise with other canine companions as well.

Fire season serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for evacuation from fire danger, or any potential crisis. Have your pet’s medical records handy, as well as any medications they may be taking. Make a written feeding schedule with amounts and times they are used to eating. Have pet carriers, leashes, food, bowls, and litter pans (if you have a cat) ready and available. It’s critical that your pets have identification on them and do include additional information about how to contact you when away from home; for instance, if your pet’s tag has your home phone number and you get evacuated, the number will be irrelevant. Also, carry a photo of your pets so if you do get separated, they will be easier to find.Â

Consider where your pets will go if you can not take them with you during an evacuation. Designate a friend or relative far enough out of the at-risk area who can care for them while you are in transition. Keep in mind that local kennel and boarding facilities will fill up quickly in a time of crisis.Â

If you are in danger of evacuation, a Sheriff will come by your home. If you would like more information about the evacuation process and how it pertains to your pets, contact the Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinator in your area. In Park County, contact Belinda Van Nurden, at 406/222-4190 and in Gallatin County, contact Patrick Lonergan at 406/582-2350.

I hope this helps keep your pet healthy, entertained, and safe during our smoke season.Â

Wishing you clear blue skies soon, Tiffani

Tiffani Zimmerman is the Behavior Specialist at the Stafford Animal Shelter. Email questions to her at behavioradvice@imt.net, call 406/222-1312, or read archived columns at www.staffordanimalshelter.org.Â