Wednesday, August 30, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Paw Prints Jodi Schneider McNamee Columnist Wildfire smoke can affect your pets We aren’t used to smoke hanging thickly in the air, and many folks are natu- rally concerned about the health implications of liv- ing right next to one of the worst fires in the nation. People know that breath- ing in a lot of smoke is not good for you, but how much should you worry about your pets? Wildland fire smoke is made up of a complex mix- ture of gases and fine par- ticles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. The biggest health threat from smoke is from those fine particles. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into your lungs. They can cause a range of health problems, from burning eyes and a runny nose to aggravated chronic heart and lung disease. Animal owners should be aware that wildfire smoke advisories, issued by county districts for peo- ple, apply to animals, too. Generally, the worse the visibility, the worse the smoke. Visibility can help you gauge wildfire smoke levels. If you are experiencing stinging or burning in your eyes or throat, or notice a heavy smoke smell in the air, your dog or cat is expe- riencing symptoms as well. Keep your furry friends inside as much as possible. Try exercising your active dog on a treadmill or play catch indoors instead of walking him around out- side. In the house, keep your windows closed and use your air conditioner instead. “Advisories meant to caution people to avoid heavy work outdoors and to remain indoors as much as possible, also should be applied to your pets,” explained Dr. Robert Dyke, a member of the veterinary faculty in the community at Washington State University’s (WSU) Ve t e r i n a r y Te a c h i n g Hospital. Pet parents who really need to walk or exercise pets outdoors should look for times of the day when the smoke settles as much as possible. According to Dyke, birds need to remain indoors as much as possi- ble during the highest level of poor air quality advi- sories because pet birds are extremely susceptible to respiratory problems from smoke particles in the air. Smoke is known for affecting respiratory condi- tions that affect the lungs, such as feline asthma. Smoke can trigger asthma attacks in humans and ani- mals. So, if your cat has a history of this condition, you should keep an eye on her for any signs. For animals that can- not be sheltered indoors such as horses or livestock, smoke can also increase respiratory distress if they have been diagnosed with lung or heart disease. So, just like humans with lung conditions, smoke in the air represents an increased hazard for animals. High concentrations of smoke particles can also alter the immune system and reduce the ability of the lungs to remove for- eign materials, such as pollen and bacteria, to which horses are normally exposed. Protecting horses from air pollution: Limit their exercise when smoke is visible. Don’t have your horse do activities that increase the airflow in and out of the lungs; this can trigger bronchocon- striction (narrowing of the small airways in the lungs). Provide plenty of fresh water close to where your horse eats. Horses drink most of their water within two hours of eating hay, so having water close to the feeder increases water consumption. Water keeps the airways moist and facilitates clearance of inhaled particulate matter. HEPA filters are effec- tive at filtering smoke and dust particles and can really improve air quality in your home. Other than increased risk of complications from existing health conditions, the smoke from Sisters’ Milli Fire is unlikely to have long-term health repercussions for your pet. But if you have a pet with a lung or heart condition, avoid strenuous exercise until the air clears up. Seek medical advice from your veterinarian if you see any signs of respiratory distress such as coughing or increased breathing effort. 23 The Nugget Newspaper Crossword By Jacqueline E. Mathews, Tribune News Service — Last Week’s Puzzle Solved — This Week’s Crossword Sponsors WELL PUMP SERVICE Pump & Electrical Contractor PRESSURE TANKS • CONSTANT-PRESSURE SYSTEMS FREQUENCY DRIVES • MOTOR CONTROLS • PUMPS A Division of 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE Sisters Owned CCB#178543 Zach 541-420-8170 DINING OUT(SIDE) 425 Hwy. 20 W. (Next to Bi-Mart) 541-549-8620 • Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. . Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Lounge Open 11 a.m. to close, 7 days a week New Marine Flower Peptide Collection! Immerse your skin with Marine Flower Peptide Serum & Eye Cream Essentials Skincare — GIFT WITH PURCHASE — Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream $45 value. While supplies last. Karen Keady Esthetician/Owner | 541-480-1412 | 492 E. Main Ave. | www.SistersEssentials.com