Originally published on The Kingston Whig Standard, written by Bill Hall.

Ontario Street resident Sharon Miklas and her 10-year-old chihuahua, Luna, take precautions and slow down in extreme heat and poor air quality. Picture taken in Confederation Park in Kingston on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Photo by Bill Hall /The Kingston Whig-Standard 

As wildfire smoke drifts across parts of Ontario and summer temperatures threaten to climb again, veterinarians are urging pet owners to take many of the same precautions recommended for vulnerable people.

Heather Quilty, a registered veterinary technician and program manager for clinical learning with VetStrategy, said pets can experience respiratory irritation, eye and nose discomfort, and in some cases serious breathing problems when air quality deteriorates.

“We really do worry about things like respiratory effects,” Quilty said in an interview on Saturday.

Quilty works with VetStrategy, which describes itself as Canada’s leading veterinary network, operating hundreds of clinics and hospitals across the country. The company currently lists more than 370 veterinary practices nationwide.

She said brachycephalic breeds, including pugs, bulldogs and Persian cats, are among the animals most vulnerable to smoke exposure because their shortened airways already make breathing more difficult.

“Any changes to the quality of the air that they’re already receiving can impact their ability to breathe normally in the first place,” Quilty said.

Heather Quilty, a registered veterinary technician and program manager for clinical learning with VetStrategy warns pet owners to be mindful of their pets’ health during extreme heat and poor air quality this summer. Photo supplied 

The concern comes as wildfire activity in northwestern Ontario continues to affect air quality across other parts of the province. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Air Quality Health Index advises reducing strenuous outdoor activity during periods of elevated pollution and notes that smoke can increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

And though this past weekend brought a reprieve from the intolerable summer conditions, experts warn that they will return.

For pet owners, Quilty said the safest approach during smoky conditions is often the simplest: stay indoors.

“Keep them indoors as much as possible,” she said.

She recommended keeping windows closed and using HEPA filter air purifiers where available. Outdoor trips should be kept brief, particularly for dogs that need regular bathroom breaks.

For high-energy dogs accustomed to lengthy walks, Quilty suggested replacing outdoor exercise with indoor enrichment.

“Food puzzles and training activities and brain exercise for them is a good way to compensate for the fact that they’re not getting outside to run around.”

Some pet owners say they have already adjusted their routines.

Scott Wilson of Oshawa was visiting Kingston over the weekend for a family reunion and brought his dog, Bella, a two-year-old golden retriever.

Wilson said he shortened walks during the worst smoke conditions last week.

“Yeah, definitely,” Wilson said when asked whether Bella appeared affected. “Back on Wednesday there, when all the fires and the smoke came through really heavy, just even walking around, I cut my walks shorter with the dog.”

“She’s got lots of energy and not enough sense to stop,” he said, chuckling.

Scott Wilson, visiting from Oshawa, says he shortens his walks with his very energetic two-year-old golden retriever, Bella, during extreme summer conditions. Picture taken in Confederation Park in Kingston on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Photo by Bill Hall /The Kingston Whig-Standard 

Sharon Miklas said she also noticed changes in her 10-year-old long-haired Chihuahua, Luna.

“I noticed she seemed a lot more tired and just wants to sleep more — not the same kind of energy as usual,” Miklas said.

The Kingston resident said she has been seeking out shaded routes, shortening walks and sometimes carrying Luna in a special bag for part of longer outings.

“It was a combination of heat, humidity and air quality,” she said. “I think it tires her out more.”

Quilty said mild symptoms from smoke exposure can include watery eyes, nasal irritation and coughing. Owners can wipe their pet’s face and fur with a damp cloth to remove airborne particles that may have accumulated outdoors.

But breathing difficulties require immediate attention.

“If it’s something that is abnormal for your pet, or something that seems more extreme than what you have previously seen in your pet, it’s really important to get them seen by a vet,” Quilty said. “There aren’t really any at-home interventions when symptoms become severe.”

She described respiratory distress as the most urgent warning sign. Pets that appear unable to catch their breath, show worsening breathing patterns, or struggle after minimal activity should be examined promptly by a veterinarian.

The smoke concerns arrive alongside recurring heat waves that have affected much of Ontario this summer.

Quilty said hot pavement can burn animals’ paw pads and recommended scheduling walks early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower.

“If you wouldn’t walk barefoot on your driveway or on the pavement, you shouldn’t let your dog or cat do it either,” she said.

Heat stroke can develop rapidly, particularly in active dogs.

Warning signs include excessive panting, weakness, collapse, vomiting and difficulty recovering after exercise. If a pet begins overheating, Quilty said owners should start cooling the animal with cool but not ice-cold water while seeking veterinary care.

“Those high-energy breeds, they don’t have that sense of awareness,” she said. “If they see a ball or they see a Frisbee or whatever it is, they will just absolutely go to complete exhaustion.”

For communities facing active wildfire threats, Quilty added that emergency planning should also include pets.

She recalled being evacuated from her own home near Saint John’s, NL, during a wildfire event last year.

“Make sure that you know where you can go with your pets,” she said. “If they’re on any medications or anything like that, making sure that you have a plan of how to get out safely with your animals so that they’re not left behind.”

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