How to protect your pets from pollution

Although there is still much to learn about how pollution affects pets, it is clear that smoky skies, contaminated water and toxin-laden house dust can be serious health hazards for a wide range of animals.

- Emily Anthes

But experts say many steps people take to protect themselves from pollutants and environmental contaminants can also reduce risks for their animal companions.

EVERYDAY PRECAUTIONS

Pets encounter an array of pollutants in their homes daily.

“We live in our homes for a portion of the day,” said Dr John Buchweitz, a veterinary toxicologist at Michigan State University. “Whereas our pets, that is their everything. That is their environment in which they spend a majority of their time.”

Gas stoves, candles, incense, cleaning products, perfumes and other common household products generate an assortment of potentially hazardous compounds.

Some of these chemicals waft around, and experts advise using ventilating fans, switching on air purifiers or opening windows when cooking, cleaning or doing other pollution-generating household tasks.