How to Protect Your Dog and Cat From Injury Due to Wildfire Smoke Inhalation with Simple Interventions, Natural Foods, Herbs, Homeopathic Remedies

★ 9 min read

In this article:

1. How Wildfire Smoke and Particulate Can Harm Your Dog and Cat
2. Symptoms of Wildfire Smoke Inhalation 
1. Eyes
2. Respiratory
1. Breathing Issues
   
2. Nose and Throat Issues
   
3. Appetite and Fluid Intake
4. Neurological
5. Most at Risk
6. It's an Emergency When
   
3. Three Simple Steps to Help Prevent Smoke Inhalation Injury
1. Limit Your Dog and Cat's Time Outside
2. Simple Steps to Achieve The Best Indoor Air Quality
3. Use Food, Herbs, Homeopathic Remedies
   
4. Natural Remedies That Help Prevent and Treat Wildfire Smoke Inhalation
1. Foods
2. Herbs
3. Homeopathic Remedies 
5.  Herbal Eye Drops to Reduce Symptoms of Eye Irritation
1. Eyebright Tea Drop Recipe
2. Additional Options for Herbal Eye Drops
   

Inhaling wildfire or forest fire smoke and particulate can irritate your dog and cat's eyes, harm your dog and cat's upper airway, lungs and organs. 

 

Use the natural recommendations in this article to help protect against and treat your dog and cat for smoke inhalation injury.

 

1.0 How Wildfire Smoke Particulate Can Harm Your Dog and Cat

Inhalation of smoke from wildfires (forest fire smoke and particulate inhalation) can cause your dog and cat to experience minor symptoms to serious injury to:

1. Upper airway, nose and sinuses.
2. Lower airway, bronchial tubes, trachea and lungs. 
3. Brain, heart and organs.
   

Wildfire particulate contains more than soot and organic compounds from burnt and partially burnt organic materials (volatile organic compounds, or VOCs). Wildfire smoke contains many toxic gases and toxic particulate including:

1. Benzene
2. Carbon dioxide
3. Carbon monoxide
4. Formaldehyde
5. Fungi
6. Ozone
7. Nitrogen dioxide
8. Sulfur dioxide
9. etc.
   

When experiencing heavy smoke pollution the simple steps in this article will help protect your dog and cat.

2.0 Symptoms of Wildfire Smoke Inhalation

It's important to be aware of signs and symptoms of smoke inhalation in dogs and cats. Symptoms can be minor to severe and life-threatening. 

 

If your dog or cat has inhaled significant levels of wildfire smoke one or more of the following symptoms may occur:

2.1 Eyes

1. Irritated eyes
2. Watery eyes

2.2 Respiratory (upper and lower airway)

upper airway - mouth, throat, larynx, nose and naval cavity

lower airway - trachea, bronchial tubes and lungs

.1 Breathing Issues:

1. Coughing
2. Gagging
3. Difficulty breathing
4. Open mouth breathing
5. Shortness of breath
6. Unusually noisy breathing
7. Asthma

.2 Nose and Throat Issues:

1. Runny nose
2. Sneezing
3. Sore throat
   
4. Inflamed sinuses
5. Inflamed throat

2.3 Appetite and Fluid Intake

1. Unusually suppressed appetite - inappetence
2. Unusual thirst

2.4 Neurological

1. Fatigue
2. Lethargy
3. Disorientation, stumbling (ataxia)
   
4. Weakness
5. Seizures
6. Coma
   

2.5 Most at Risk

Dogs and cats most at risk include those with one or more of the following conditions:

1. Brachycephalic dogs and cats.
2. Heart issues and disease.
   
3. Lung issues and disease.
   
4. Upper respiratory air way issues such as:
1. Collapsed trachea.
2. Laryngeal paralysis (lar par).
5. Weak or debilitated from (other) conditions or illness.
6. Very young kittens and puppies.
7. Very elderly dogs and cats.

2.6 It's An Emergency When

 

If your dog or cat is experiencing serious symptoms, for example respiratory issues (see 1.2 above), and/or neurological issues (see 1.5 above) call your local emergency veterinary hospital ASAP.

 

3.0 Three Simple Steps To Help Prevent Smoke Inhalation Injury

If you're experiencing wildfires in your area you'll want to have a plan in-place to limit your dog and cat's risk of smoke inhalation injury.

3.1 Limit Your Dog and Cat's Outdoor Time

1. Have a plan to limit your dog's time outside. 
1. Allow your dog out for 'bathroom' breaks only. 
2. Do the same for your cat if she is an outdoor cat.
   
2. If your dog has an increased vulnerability to respiratory issues (e.g. breed vulnerability or health condition):
1. Allow your dog to indicate if she will accept wearing a N95 respirator mask.
2. If your dog does not accept, do not force your dog to wear a mask.
   

3.2 Simple Steps to Achieve the Best Indoor Air Quality

To maintain the best indoor air quality:

1. Keep your windows closed.
2. Keep the air in your home circulating with floor fans and/or ceiling fans.
3. Use a hepa air purifier.

3.3 Use Foods, Herbs and Homeopathic Remedies to Help Prevent and Treat Smoke Injury

1. Select to suit your dog and cat's personal situation:
1. Foods, herbs and homeopathic remedies below to help prevent inhaled smoke injury and treat symptoms.
   
2. One of the simple herbal eye treatments below to soothe eye irritation.

 

4.0 Natural Remedies That Help Prevent and Treat Wildfire Smoke Inhalation

Below, examples of readily available foods and herbs that can help prevent and treat forest fire smoke inhalation symptoms and injury for dogs and cats.

 

Choose one or more of the foods and herbs that best suit your dog or cat.  Allow your dog or cat to indicate (self-select) the items she prefers. Always respect your dog and cat's indication. Never force your dog or cat to take an item she does not want.

Learn how to do a self-selection test with your dog and cat:

• Go to this article.

4.1 Foods That Help Protect and Treat Wildfire Smoke Inhalation Injury

.1 Avocado

for puppies and dogs only

 

Avocado fruit (flesh, not skin or pit) helps increase oxygen levels in the blood. Avocado is also rich in heart and liver supporting anti-inflammatory omega fatty acid and antioxidants.

 

For:

1. More on health benefits.
2. Serving recommendations. 
3. Cautions.
   

 Go to this article.

 

.2 Beets and Beet Juice

for puppies and dogs only

 

Fresh beets or fresh, pure beet juice helps support oxygen intake in the lungs. Beet root is also a rich of antioxidants that fight inflammation, support detox and help prevent oxidative stress on your dog's liver.

 

Use table beets (garden beets), never use sugar beets.

Preparation

1. Wash beets well, ensure all dirt is removed.
2. Finely grate or puree the fresh beets.
3. Store in the refrigerator for 2 up to 3 days.

Serving Size

• 1/2 tsp per day for x-small dogs up to 1/8 cup a day for x-large dogs.

 

.3 Broccoli or Broccoli Sprouts

for puppies and dogs only

 

 

Broccoli and broccoli sprouts help increase oxygen levels in the blood and help the body detox. As well, broccoli and broccoli sprouts are rich in heart and organ supporting antioxidants.

Preparation

1. Wash the broccoli or sprouts.
2. Steam broccoli for 2 to 4 minutes.
3. Sprouts should be fresh, not steamed.
4. Finely cut, mash or puree broccoli or sprouts.
5. Store in a glass container, placed in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
   

Serving Size

• 1 tsp per day for x-small dogs (under 10 lbs), up to 1/2 cup per day for x-large dogs.

 

.4 Honey

for dogs and cats only, not for puppies and kittens

 

Raw, pure, unpasteurized honey helps to reduce inflammation in the upper and lower airways. Raw honey also helps reduce mucous, soothe the throat and help treat coughing. Honey is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that supports eyes, heart, helps reduce fatigue and more.

 

For raw honey:

1. Health benefits.
   
2. Dosing Instructions.
3. Cautions and contradictions for use. 

Go to this article.

 

.5 Lemon

for puppies and dogs

 

The flesh (pulp) and/or juice from a fresh lemon provides an excellent, bioavailable source of vitamin C and other anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Fresh lemon also helps the body detox harmful substances.

For fresh lemon:

1.  More information on health benefits.
   
2. Preparation instructions.
3. Serving recommendations.

Go to this article.

How About Other Citrus Fruit?

1. For a list of other appropriate citrus fruit
2. Preparation instructions

Go to this article.

 

4.2 Herbs That Help Protect and Treat Wildfire Smoke Inhalation Injury

.1 Curcumin, Turmeric

for puppies, dogs and cats and kittens

Curcumin the active ingredient in turmeric root, gives the root it's bright yellow color and medicinal properties.

 

Turmeric and curcumin provide powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, detoxification and liver protective properties that help prevent and treat smoke inhalation symptoms and damage. 

 

Golden Paste Recipe 

 

Golden paste is a simple, effective way to include turmeric (curcumin) in your dog and cat's diet. 

 

For the:

1. Golden paste recipe.
2. Dosing Instructions.
3. Health Benefits.
4. Cautions. 

Go to this article.

 

To learn more:

1. About turmeric

Go to this article.

 

.2 Cat's Claw

for puppies, dogs, cats and kittens

 

Cat's claw is a good choice to help soothe a sore throat, reduce coughing and symptoms of asthma while supporting liver and heart health.

 

For cat's claw:

1. Health benefits.
   
2. Dosage.
   

Go to this article. 

 

 

.3 Garlic

for adult dogs and puppies 6 months of age or older

can also be used for cats when strictly following dosage guidelines in my garlic article (link provided below)

Fresh garlic is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory. Garlic acts on the upper and lower airways and lungs to reduce inflammation. Garlic also helps fight asthma, aids detox and supports heart health.

 

For garlic:

1. Health benefits.
   
2. Preparation instructions.
   
3. Dosing Instructions.
4. Cautions and contradictions for use. 

Go to this article.

 

.4 Ginger Root

for puppies, dogs, cats and kittens

 

Ginger root is another powerful airway and lung anti-inflammatory. Ginger cleanses the lungs, reduces mucus, dilates (relaxes) the airways to help your dog and cat breath better. Ginger can also help reduce injury to the lungs and supports heart health.

Ginger can be given to dogs and cats in various forms, for example:

1. Fresh grated ginger.
2. Fresh ginger juice.
   
3. Ginger powder.
4. Ginger tea (steeped ginger root).

For ginger:

1. Health benefits.
   
2. Preparation instructions.
   
3. Dosing Instructions.
4. Cautions and contradictions for use. 

Go to this article. 

 

 

.5 Marjoram, Oregano and Thyme Leaf 

for puppies and dogs, cats and kittens

 

Fresh marjoram leaf, oregano leaf and thyme leaf can help ease sore throat, cough and eye issues. These fresh herbs are an excellent source of important anti-inflammatory antioxidants that help reduce symptoms of wildfire smoke inhalation. 

 

Allow your puppy, dog, cat or kitten to self-select which of these herbs best suite her situation.

 

Preparation

1. Wash the fresh herbs.
2. Finely cut, mash or puree the herbs.
   
3. Store in a glass container, placed in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
   

Serving Size

• 1/2 tsp per day for x-small dogs (under 10 lbs), up to 1/8 cup per day for x-large dogs.

.6 Mullein Leaf 

for puppies and dogs, cats and kittens

 

 

Mullein leaf is an excellent herb for soothing mucous membranes. Mullein reduces inflammation in the upper and lower airway, helps clear the lungs, calms and reduces pain.

For mullein:

1. Health benefits.
   
2. Preparation Instructions
3. Dosage.
   

Go to this article.

 

 

.7 Slippery Elm Bark

for puppies, dogs, cats and kittens

 

Slippery elm bark helps to reduce upper and lower airway irritation and inflammation, while healing mucosal tissue. Slippery elm is an excellent choice for healing damaged airway, treating cough, pain and sore throat resulting from wildfire smoke inhalation.

 

For:

1. More on slippery elm bark health benefits.
   
2. How to use slippery elm bark.
   
3. Slippery elm bark syrup recipe.
4. Dosage instructions.
5. And other important information.
   

Go to this article.

4.1 Homeopathic Remedies That Help Protect and Treat Wildfire Smoke Inhalation Injury

.1 A Sampling of Common Helpful Homeopathic Remedies

 for puppies and dogs, cats and kittens

 

Arsenicum

A great remedy for wildfire smoke inhalation accompanied by anxiety. Eyes may be teary and irritated. Nose may be irritated and dripping. Coughing is worse at night.
 

Byronia

Larynx and trachea are inflamed and sore, your animal's voice may be hoarse. A dry hacking cough may be present and may be worse at night or after taking fluids, or eating. Breathing may be laboured, difficult. Symptoms may be worse from being in open air or a warm room.

Causticum

Your animal may be troubled by a tickling cough during the night, and hoarseness (without pain) in the morning. Her chest may be sensitive when touched or when pressure is applied. A preference for fresh air may be seen.

Carbo Vegetabilis

Your animal is experiencing strong symptoms of smoke inhalation injury such as great difficulty breathing, may be hoarse with a sore throat sore chest, exhausted and weak. A preference for cool air may be seen.

Euphrasia

An excellent choice if your animal is experiencing eye irritation, weepy eyes, irritated or runny nose, a mild day-time cough may present. No other airway symptoms are present.

Kali Bichromicum

A good choice if your animal has experienced high levels of wildfire smoke inhalation particulate. Inhalation has resulted in painful, irritated, inflamed sinuses and lung irritation with much stubborn mucous. A painful cough that causes a sire chest may also be present.

Silicea

This is a good choice if your animal has inhaled smoke particulate. Silicea will help push-out the smoke particulate from the body. Your animal may be experiencing a dry, cough from inhaling particulate. Yellow mucous may be present.

 

5.0 Herbal Eye Drops To Reduce Symptoms of Smoke Irritation

.1 Eyebright Tea Drops

Eyebright is rich in eye nourishing antioxidants that help protect, treat and remedy irritated, inflamed eyes and eyelids. 

 

Eyebright Tea Drop Recipe

 

You'll Need

1. Eye bright tea bags or cut and sifted eyebright.
   
2. Tea infuser if using cut and sifted eyebright.
3. Distilled water.
4. Tea cup.
5. Glass eye dropper.

Preparation

1. Boil the water.
2. Place the eyebright tea in the tea cup.
3. Allow the tea to steep for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the tea bag or tea infuser.
5. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
6. The eyebright tea is ready for use.

Instructions for Use

1. Use an eye dropper to place 1 to 3 drops in each eye, one to four times per day depending in severity of eye irritation.
2. Discard the tea at the end of the day.
3. Brew a fresh cup of tea daily when the drops are needed.
   
4. The drops can be used daily until wildfire smoke has cleared and eyes are better.
   

If you don't have eyebright tea on hand, you can substitute with one of the herbal teas below. Follow the preparation and use instructions above to make the eye drops.

.2 Additional Options For Herbal Tea Eye Drops

1.1 Rooibos Tea

• Learn more about rooibos in this article. 
  

1.2 Chamomile Tea

• Learn more about chamomile in this article.

1.3 Marjoram Tea

• Learn more about marjoram in this article.

Holistic Diet, Nutrition, Wellness Services Tailored to Your Individual Dog and Cat

For information about my holistic diet, nutrition and wellness services, visit my holistic wellness services page.

Maintain good health | Address acute and chronic health issues | Pre and post surgery support and recovery

My holistic wellness services are available worldwide via video consultation.

🌎 USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia | New Zealand | Asia | South and Central America | Africa | UAE

📱FaceTime | Facebook | Skype | WhatsApp

To set-up your holistic wellness consultation get in-touch via email, go to my contact me page.

 

Holistic Behavioral Services for Your Dog

For information about my holistic behavioral services, visit my holistic behavioral services page.

For dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds.

My behavioral services are available worldwide via video consultation.

🌎 USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia | New Zealand | Asia | South and Central America | Africa | UAE

📱FaceTime | Facebook | Skype | WhatsApp

To set-up your holistic behavioral session get in-touch via email, go to my contact me page. 

 

Affiliations to Companies  

✓ None. 

✓ I don't sell food, supplements, or other products.

✓ I'm not aligned with any companies. 

 

Article by Karen Rosenfeld. 

Photo credit: photo at top of article by Rebecca Scholz, puppy running by Cristan Castillo, cat by Cottonbrostudio.