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Vet recommends keeping pets away from smoke

Jul 1, 2015 | 11:58 AM

Pets should not be exposed to the smoke blanketing Prince Albert, according to one Prince Albert veterinarian.

Peter Surkan, a veterinarian at Park Range Veterinary Services, said some breeds of dogs and cats are more sensitive to smoke than other breeds.

“Like your English Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, or ones with a shortened nasal passage, your pugs and those families of dogs” he said.

Surkan said these breeds of dogs have a harder time filtering the smoke, and he added that some breeds of cats are equally susceptible to asthma.

In terms of what pet owners can do to protect their animals, Surkan explained when the index gets as high as it did on Tuesday, it becomes very dangerous for pets to be involved in too much strenuous exercise.

“You certainly don’t want them running behind the quad for five miles or repeatedly throwing sticks in the water,” he said.

Instead, Surkan recommended keeping pets in a filtered area like a house.

“Certainly if they are really stressed in their breathing, it might be good to phone or seek medical attention,” he said.

paNOW contacted several veterinarian clinics this week.  They all said that they had experienced a busy week.

Surkan said they have not seen an increase in cases related to smoke inhalation.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell