Signs of Smoke Inhalation and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Pets

While these wildfires can cause extensive damage to property and wildlife habitats, the smoke can also cause trauma to pets.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning is generally the first thing everyone associates with smoke inhalation and it’s believed to be the leading cause of death in pets exposed to fire and smoke,” says Dr. Lynn Rolland Hovda, director of veterinary services at Pet Poison Helpline of Bloomington, Minnesota.

Signs of Smoke Inhalation in Pets

Early outward signs that can be associated with smoke inhalation in pets include:

Your pet is covered in soot.
Your pet smells like smoke.
Your pet is having difficulty breathing, is coughing, or is breathing rapidly.
Your pet’s gums and other mucous membranes turn a bright, cherry red color.
Singed fur
Visible burns
Eye abnormalities like redness, squinting, or an elevated third eyelid

Smoke inhalation can cause thermal injuries to a pet’s airways without apparent external signs, Hovda says. “It takes 48 to 72 hours for ulcers and erosions to occur, so pets should be closely monitored for several days.”

The most common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning in pets are an increased respiratory rate and abnormal sounds heard via stethoscope in the lungs during breathing, Hovda says. Some pets will also develop cherry red mucous membranes and neurologic abnormalities.

Hydrogen Cyanide Poisoning: In house fires, common household materials such as plastics, laminates, paint, varnishes, and other building materials release toxic gases that may result in hydrogen cyanide poisoning, according to Dr. Jon Geller of Fort Collins Veterinary Emergency and Rehabilitation Hospital in Colorado.

Source: PetMD

Wildfire Smoke and Animals - AVMA

As irritating as smoke can be to people, it can cause health problems for animals as well. Smoke from wildfires and other large blazes affects pets, horses, livestock and wildlife.

If any of your animals are experiencing any of these signs, please consult your veterinarian.

Coughing or gagging
Difficulty breathing, including open mouth breathing and increased noise when breathing
Eye irritation and excessive watering
Inflammation of throat or mouth
Nasal discharge
Asthma-like symptoms
Increased breathing rate
Fatigue or weakness
Disorientation or stumbling
Reduced appetite and/or thirst

Source: AVMA.org https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/emergencycare/wildfire-smoke-and-animals

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