Is Air Pollution Bad for Dogs? 9 Questions Indian Pet Parents Are Asking This Smog Season

The AQI shows up in red on your phone. You put a mask over your own face. Then your dog brings you the leash. What now?

Delhi's air slipped into the "poor" band again on October 21, with a 24-hour AQI of 245, according to the Central Pollution Control Board bulletin reported by The Hindu. Here is what pet parents keep asking, answered simply.

1. Is air pollution really bad for dogs?

Yes. The dangers to pets are much like the dangers to people, mainly to the heart and lungs, according to Cornell vets. Fine particles irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Studies of dogs exposed to air pollution have found long-term changes in their lungs, such as scarring and chronic bronchitis, says Zoetis Petcare.

2. Why might dogs be hit harder than us?

Height matters. Dogs and cats breathe close to the ground. Dr Maneesh Kumar Gupta of VETLAB told Firstpost on October 29 that dogs and cats "live at knee height, which is precisely where particulate matter sits heaviest." Dogs also can't wear masks the way we do.

3. Which dogs are most at risk?

There are some dogs who need extra care:

• Flat-faced breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers
• Puppies and senior dogs
• Pregnant dogs
• Dogs with heart, lung or airway problems

If you own a flat-faced dog, our guide on breathing problems in flat-faced dog breeds explains why their airways struggle.

4. At what AQI should I cut walks short?

India's official AQI runs from Good (0–50) to Severe (401–500). Vet guides from Colorado State University and Cornell use a different scale, but the message stays the same: the poorer the air, the shorter and calmer the outing. Here is a simple plan based on that advice:

Check the live AQI for your area before every walk. Readings change through the day, so pick the cleanest window.

5. What signs mean the air is affecting my dog?

Watch for:

• Coughing or gagging
• Red or watery eyes, or a runny nose
• Fast or noisy breathing
• Getting tired quickly on walks
• Eating or drinking less

It's easy to overlook a cough. Dr Gupta told Firstpost that a pollution cough is often written off as a hairball, and laboured breathing is mistaken for normal panting.

6. When is it an emergency?

If a pet is struggling to breathe, can't stop coughing, or has a resting breathing rate above 40 breaths per minute, it needs urgent vet care, says the Animal Medical Center in New York. Zoetis adds blue, purple or pale gums, and confusion or trouble walking, to that list.

7. How do I keep the air at home cleaner?

On bad-air days, keep windows and doors shut. Run a HEPA air purifier if you have one, and use the AC on recirculation mode. Skip incense, candles, aerosols and frying when the AQI is high, as these add particles inside. After a walk, wipe your dog's face and paws with a damp cloth so it doesn't lick off the dust. If your dog also has seasonal allergies, these tips to help your pet breathe easy fit well with smog-season care.

8. How do I tire out my dog indoors?

Trade long walks for brain work. Try sniff games with treats hidden around the room, puzzle feeders, tug, and short training sessions.

9. What about the street dogs in my lane?

They breathe the worst air all season, with nowhere to escape. Dr Gupta pointed out that even this year, which he called Delhi's cleanest in five, there were 79 days between January and September when the air was poor or worse. Keep an eye on community dogs for the same signs above, and call a local rescue group or vet if one is having trouble breathing.

Your Smog-Season Checklist

Check the AQI before every walk. Cut outings short when the band turns poor. Clean the indoor air. Know the emergency signs. Give puppies, seniors and flat-faced dogs extra care until the air clears.