Ways to keep your pets safe from the haze

SINGAPORE - Many of us have felt the effect of the prolonged haze situation at present. But some are also becoming increasingly aware of the impact unhealthy air conditions have on animals and pets.

Pets generally respond to the haze in similar ways to humans, veterinarian Dr Rachel Tong told AsiaOne. Common symptoms include respiratory problems, coughing and sneezing, as well as eye inflammation and conjunctivitis.

But she was quick to point out that like humans, the majority of pets that are in healthy condition would not be severely affected by the haze. Rather, it is those that have pre-existing heart or respiratory conditions that may be at greater risk.

In a post on their Facebook page, Mount Pleasant Animal Medical Centre also warned that young animals (below one year old), geriatric animals (over six years old) or creatures with kidney, liver or eye conditions may be in greater danger.

Dr Tong, who is with Spring Veterinary Care, also said that smaller household pets, including rabbits and pocket pets like hamsters and guinea pigs, may be slightly more susceptible to suffering from haze-related illnesses. These animals are more delicate due to a smaller lung capacity, putting them at greater risk of smoke inhalation.

When it comes to protecting pets from the haze, there are specific tips and suggestions for different types of pets.

Here are some ways to care for your pet during the haze:

Rabbits and pocket pets

For rabbits and pocket pets, Dr Tong advises owners to ensure that they have access to ample amounts of hay or food pellets. Make sure that its food and water are kept clean and changed regularly to ensure that they are dust free.

Rabbit welfare group House Rabbits Society Singapore also put up an advisory on their Facebook page last month. The group advises rabbit owners to keep their pets indoors in well-ventilated spaces.

Another tip is to offer small pieces of fresh and juicy fruit like blueberries, apples or watermelons, which are rich in antioxidants that could give their immune systems a boost.

Dogs and cats

As for people with dogs and cats, a number of animal welfare groups advised that they be kept indoors during this period and to keep walks in the unhealthy air outside to a minimum.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) also advised that walks should be avoided altogether if the Pollutant Standards Index crosses into the "Very Unhealthy" range.

SPCA suggested that for dogs, owners should play with them indoors using games that stimulate their minds, such as hide-and-seek, so that they would be able to work off their energy without being exposed to the haze.

Mount Pleasant Animal Medical Care also cautioned that extra attention should be paid to flat-faced dogs and cats, such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats, which would be more susceptible to the effects of haze.

Nevertheless, even if dogs and cats do go outside, Dr Tong stressed it was important to make sure that the animals were kept clean.

"Perhaps owners can wipe their dogs or cats with wet wipes or damp cloths after they come back inside, so that the dirty dust particles do not remain on their fur," said Dr Tong.

She also advised pet owners to consider installing air purifiers and use it when their pets are kept indoors, saying that a number of pet owners had already taken this step.

SPCA also advised against pet owners putting makeshift masks on their pets to protect them.

"It would be dangerous for the pets with the masks obscuring their mouths, not allowing them to dispel heat which might, in turn, lead to heatstroke," SPCA said.

Fish and terrapins

Not immediately known to many is that the haze can also affect aquatic pets such as fish and terrapins, even if they are kept indoors.

"It is not immediately obvious, but all that dust in the air will affect the water quality and could also change the acidity of the water, making it unhealthy for the animals," Dr Tong revealed.

She added that fish owners should take precautions by washing the filters and changing the water in their fish tanks or ponds more frequently.

Prevention is better than cure

Dr Tong shared that since the haze began about a month ago, her clinic has seen a definite increase in the number of pets brought in with haze-related issues, but most owners have brought in their animals for checks and to get additional medication even if they are not ill.

According to Dr Tong, many owners are increasingly taking preventive measures by taking them to the clinic to be checked or to ask for additional supplements.

"Keeping pets healthy now will certainly be better in the long-term, as owners will not have to worry about accumulating medical bills to treat them should they get sick. Prevention is always better than cure," said Dr Tong.

seanyap@sph.com.sg