Pet owners check the weather before a walk — air quality deserves the same glance. Dogs sniff and pant at exhaust height; cats nap on window sills that import traffic fumes. Air quality for pets follows the same AQI logic as humans, with extra caution for brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed dogs) and animals with existing heart or lung disease.
When to keep pets indoors
At orange AQI and above, shorten dog walks and skip fetch in the park. Red, purple, or wildfire smoke: indoor play, potty breaks only, and no strenuous activity. Birds and small mammals are especially sensitive — move cages away from open windows on smoky days.
- AQI green: normal walks away from heavy traffic.
- AQI yellow: reduce duration for sensitive or elderly pets.
- AQI orange+: indoor time; wipe paws and coat after brief outings.
- Smoke events: no outdoor exercise until AQI returns to moderate.
Warning signs
Coughing, wheezing, eye discharge, lethargy, or refusing walks during haze may be pollution-related — call your vet if symptoms persist or worsen. Chronic exposure is harder to see than an acute smoke week; long-term, prefer cleaner routes and cleaner hours.
Check AQI before walk time on Aether — your dog's lungs will thank you.
Check live air quality on Aether