Poor Air Quality Affecting Both Humans And Their Pets - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

SPOKANE, Wash—The poor air quality around the region is affecting many people, even our pets. Spokanimal Executive Director Gail Mackie says the bad air has the same impact on animals as it does on humans.

"If you're not going to be wanting to be outside and exerting yourself, don't ask your dog to do the same thing," said Gail Mackie, Spokanimal executive director   Despite the poor air quality today, volunteers at Spokanimal were still taking their sheltered dogs out for a little exercise.

Mackie doesn't recommend over exerting your animals right now, but says there is no harm taking them outside. Just keep an eye on them to see how they're handling the extra exertion.   "If it seems like they have labored breathing or any of the same symptoms as a person would have, get them home, and don't exert them. Slow down for a walk, and quietly take them home, and make sure they keep as quiet as possible," said Mackie.

Mackie says just like humans, dogs have sensitive groups as well. For instance, flat-nose breeds like bulldogs and pugs might react more negatively to the bad air than long-nosed breeds, and Mackie recommends keeping those types of dogs indoors.