My dog's health is of utmost importance to me, especially because one of my dogs was very sickly when she came to us. The doctor told us that she wouldn't survive because of a disorder that she didn't have. But she did :)
When it comes to living in NCR, we often forget our pets, who unfortunately have not adapted to the extremely high levels of pollution. As humans, our body's respiratory systems are built to filter out larger particles, whereas our fur babies don't have that luxury.
🐶 A study led by Dr. Peter G. Moore and colleagues, published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, found that dogs exposed to high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) are more likely to suffer from respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma. Dr. Moore's research focuses on environmental factors affecting animal health.
🐶 Dr. Victoria Leticia Andrade Morteo and her team at the USP - Universidade de São Paulo conducted research showing that dogs in polluted environments are prone to developing chronic respiratory conditions. Her work emphasises the biological vulnerabilities of dogs compared to humans, especially in polluted urban settings.
🐶 In a 2019 study led by Dr. Giovanni POLIDORO from University of Milan, researchers found that dogs in polluted cities suffer from lung inflammation and cardiovascular issues at a higher rate than those in rural areas. Dr. Polidoro specializes in veterinary environmental health.
🐶 Dr. Elizabeth Bourne, a veterinarian with the WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association), has reported increasing cases of respiratory illness and skin conditions in pets living in high-pollution urban areas. Dr. Bourne’s work focuses on the long-term impacts of environmental factors on companion animals.
Some more research on this!
Pollution-Induced Allergies in PetsAir pollution doesn’t just affect the respiratory system of pets, but also their skin and immune systems. Dogs and cats in polluted areas are more prone to developing allergic reactions, such as dermatitis and itchy skin. According to a report by Dr. John McKeever from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), long-term exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide can lead to chronic skin conditions in pets, worsening during pollution peaks.
Shorter Lifespan Due to Chronic ExposureProlonged exposure to poor air quality can also reduce pets' overall lifespan. A study by Dr. Melissa Norton at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine found that pets living in areas with high levels of air pollution were more likely to suffer from heart disease, cancer, and respiratory failure, all of which can contribute to a shorter lifespan. This highlights the silent yet deadly effects of air pollution on pets.
Increased Cases of Pet Respiratory InfectionsPets in polluted areas are at higher risk of contracting respiratory infections such as kennel cough, pneumonia, and upper respiratory tract infections. Dr. Tanya Dominguez from the British Veterinary Association (BVA) found that smog and high pollution levels aggravate these conditions, leading to an increase in veterinary visits for respiratory issues. Pets may experience coughing, sneezing, and lethargy, but owners often mistake these signs for less serious issues.
Toxic Chemicals Affecting Pets’ Mental HealthPollution doesn’t only impact pets physically—it can also affect their mental health. Dr. Andrea L. Frey, an animal behaviorist at Colorado State University, conducted a study revealing that dogs exposed to high levels of toxins in the air tend to show more signs of stress, anxiety, and aggression. This suggests that pollutants may affect the brain’s functioning, potentially altering behavior and emotional well-being in pets.
Pollution’s Effect on Smaller PetsIt’s important to note that smaller pets, such as birds, hamsters, and rabbits, are even more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. Their smaller lung capacity means they can absorb more pollutants relative to their body size. Research by Dr. Cecilia Warren at The Royal Veterinary College found that birds, in particular, are highly susceptible to respiratory complications when exposed to smog or pollutants from household sources like smoking and cooking.
Taking care of our pets as pet parents is important. Today the AQI in Gurgaon is 208. It will only get worse now, it's time for you to understand air quality and work towards improved air quality in your homes.
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