Keep Sparky away from Smokey!
New York City’s air was officially deemed more polluted than any other major world city in the world on Wednesday as thick smoke from wildfires burning hundreds of miles away in Canada crept into the city for a second day.
As smoke clouds are set to continue to choke much of the Northeast through the weekend, residents in impacted areas are wondering how to protect themselves and their loved ones — including man’s best friend.
The air quality index already reached 343 on Wednesday afternoon, far worse than New Delhi’s 190 and the normal index of 100 for New York.
The air was the worst since the 1980s, including after the 9/11 attacks, forecasters said.
Pet experts from Rover are weighing on how to shield pets from the dangerous conditions, suggesting:
- Close all windows
- Use air conditioning, if possible, to help filter the air
- Keep potty breaks short, avoid long walks and other prolonged outdoor exercises
- Keep your dog well hydrated
Smoke inhalation in pets can be as serious a problem as it is for humans and may lead to increased or chronic coughing, sneezing and red, squinty or runny eyes.
In more serious cases, some animals may experience disorientation or confusion, fainting, seizures, difficulty breathing, weakness or lethargy, uncoordinated walking/inability to stand, excessive salivation, prolonged open-mouthed breathing, swelling of the mouth or upper airway, vomiting or loss of appetite.
Experts advise that pet lovers watch for signs of respiratory stress and eye inflammation. If an animal does show symptoms, owners should call a veterinarian immediately.
While pet parents may do their best to keep their furry friends safe and healthy, certain dogs have a higher risk of suffering from respiratory distress, including any dog with asthma or bronchitis, puppies and senior dogs, bulldogs, Boston terriers and pugs.
Fido isn’t the only one being guarded against the dangerous weather.
Zoos in the Bronx, Central Park and Queens are all closing in attempts to protect the animals from the thick clouds of smoke.
Everything you need to know about the NYC wildfire smoke
New York City’s air has been heavily polluted by thick smoke from Canadian wildfires burning hundreds of miles away.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams warned residents to stay inside to avoid exposure.
The haze wafting in from Quebec have posed a threat “even to healthy adults.”
New York’s air quality has become some of the worst in the world as the ominous orange smog from wildfires near Quebec, British Columbia and Nova Scotia continue to settle over the region, according to IQair.
The air quality is expected to remain hazardous through the weekend.
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All five boroughs were placed under an Air Quality Health Advisory until Thursday morning due to wind patterns pushing smoke south from more than 150 forest fires in Quebec — a staggering 110 of which have been deemed out of control.
“Unhealthy” air and smoky conditions are expected to linger over the five boroughs until Sunday.
