Vet, zookeeper share tips to keeping animals safe amid poor air quality

DELMARVA – A topic that’s been top of mind for everybody recently, is air quality. Smoke drifting down from wildfires burning in Canada has Delmarva on alert, and taking precautions before heading outdoors.

Air Quality Alert Issued

Wednesday, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) issued an air quality alert.

“We’ve issued for two days in a row, code reds for particulate matter in the air, because we are seeing elevated levels of particulate matter all throughout Delaware,” said Director of DNREC’s Division of Air Quality, Angela Marconi.

Marconi says soot from those wildfires is to blame when it comes to potential health hazards. We’re all familiar with other types of particulate matter, like dust and pollen, says Marconi; however this particulate matter, or the soot, is much smaller, and much more dangerous.

“What we’re talking about in this case is really small, fine particulate matter,” said Marconi. “We call it PM 2.5. Those particulates are so small, that they are able to get deep into your lungs, they can get into your bloodstream and affect your health.”

Currently, parts of Delaware are experiencing red, and purple, levels of air quality. “Red is considered unhealthy, and purple is considered very unhealthy,” said Marconi. “We are recommending that people make decisions that are protective of their health, that they make sure they have their medications on hand, and that they keep an eye on conditions. This is an evolving situation. It’s similar to a hurricane coming through. You have to monitor conditions on the ground, and then continue to make decisions.”

Adaptation at the Zoo

However, it’s not just us humans that have to worry about our health in periods of poor air quality; it turns out, our furry and feathered friends can feel the effects, too.

“Our staff are very closely monitoring the air quality index, and we have moved the animals that can safely and comfortably be moved for their well-being, inside,” said Salisbury Zoo’s Zookeeper and Animal Welfare Coordinator, Hannah Buchek.

At the Salisbury Zoo, exhibits that normally house the macaws, some turtles, the lynx, tamarin, and marmoset are empty, for now.

“As we monitor the air quality, some more animals may be moved inside. Or, if it gets tremendously better, those animals may be allowed back outside,” said Buchek. “You’ll see a lot of our staff in our masks. It has been recommended that we wear them outside, as we are doing a lot of labor-intensive things in the outdoor weather.”

Protecting Your Pets

It’s not just the zoo that should be worrying about their animals, says Dr. Marianne Bailey of Queenstown Veterinary Hospital. “[Pets] can be susceptible to air pollutants, just like we can,” she said.

“If you have an older pet with an underlying lung or heart condition, and you notice that their breathing is more rapid – over 25 to 30 breaths per minute – definitely give your veterinarian a call,” said Dr. Bailey. “Pets are really sensitive, and sometimes just stress can cause vomiting or diarrhea.”

Dr. Bailey recommends bringing outdoor dogs and cats inside, if you can. And, she says, if you’re planning on taking your dog for a walk, prepare for a shorter trip, and take a break from the dog park for the next few days. Your pets’ health is more important than socialization, says Dr. Bailey.

“Check the air quality report, and see if there are times of day that it’s going to be better, and try to walk your dog during those times, and avoid the times of day when it’s the worse,”  said Dr. Bailey.

While these may be tough times for humans and their animals, Dr. Bailey says there could be a silver lining.

“I think the duration of this poor air quality, and the large area that it is affecting, may actually hopefully provide us some good information,” said Dr. Bailey. “That we had consistent days of poor air quality, and this is what veterinarians saw consistently.”