How to protect your pets from climate change » Yale Climate Connection

When Colorado veterinarian Colleen Duncan stepped outside her home recently, the smell of a campfire filled the air. Smoke from wildfires in Wyoming has drifted southward, causing pets' eyes to harden and owners to feel uneasy. This is just one example of how climate change is affecting our animal companions.

From air pollution to heat waves to an expanded range of diseases, climate change poses multiple threats to pet health. Recognizing this growing concern, Duncan teamed up with former vet school classmate Kristenn Magnusson to form the Veterinary Sustainability Alliance in 2022. As part of efforts to protect animals in the world, they have identified the climate risks affecting pets of all kinds – and crucially, what owners can do to protect them.

Read on to learn about the main climate risks pets face and what you can do about them.

Key climate risks for pets

While some animals are at greater risk than others, every pet owner should know these five key impacts – and the steps you can take to protect your companions.

Extremely hot: While flat-faced dogs and overweight animals are at the highest risk during heat waves, any pet can suffer from heat stress—just like humans. Even a short walk on a hot sidewalk can burn paw pads, and a car ride in warm weather can quickly become fatal.

What you can do: A good rule of thumb is that if you feel hot, your pet will probably feel hotter. If you've already taken steps to cool yourself, such as dressing lightly, wearing a hat, or drinking cool water, then that means your pet will need to step in to help lower their body temperature, too. If your pet seems hot, do as you would with a human: take them to a cool area and drink water, and consider using a cold compress. Also: Avoid walking if the sidewalk feels hot to your hands, and don't leave your pet unattended in a car.

Discuss with your veterinarian the signs of overheating that are specific to your pet, which may include panting, restlessness, seeking shade or water, and sometimes drooling, and red (not pink) gums and tongue.

That said, never wait for signs of heat stress to ensure your pet is at a safe temperature. If your pet does overheat, it is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary care.

Extreme weather events: Hurricanes, floods and wildfires pose threats to physical and mental health. These disasters can trap animals, cause serious injuries, and cut off escape routes. Disasters can also separate pets from their families, causing profound trauma to both pets and humans. Since Hurricane Katrina, many people have refused to evacuate because they can't find shelters that accept their pets, and federal law requires emergency shelters to house animals – but preparation is crucial.

What you can do: Have an emergency plan that includes your pets. Have supplies ready (food, medicine, documents), make sure ID tags are valid, know which shelters accept pets, and have a portable pet carrier ready. For farm animals, consider transportation needs such as trailers.

Air pollution: Poor air quality can harm all pets, but cats are especially susceptible to asthma. In addition to wildfire smoke, climate change is exacerbating other air pollutants: Longer, warmer seasons increase pollen levels, while stagnant air traps particles that can enter the bloodstream.

“Air pollution is no longer just a lung disease,” Duncan noted. “It actually causes cardiovascular disease and affects all parts of the body.”

What you can do: Check the air quality index (AQI) before outdoor activities. If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your pet. On days with poor air quality, keep pets indoors and limit exercise. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or eye irritation. Inside, consider using an indoor air purifier to benefit the respiratory health of both humans and pets.

Water pollution: Harmful algae blooms are becoming more frequent and can be fatal to pets. These microorganisms can kill an otherwise healthy dog ​​within hours of exposure, often before the owner realizes there is a problem. These flowers usually appear as green, blue-green, or reddish scum on the surface of the water, but they can also appear in clear water. Unfortunately, many areas lack the resources to test every body of water, and blooms may not be visible from where you stand.

What you can do: Research water quality before letting your pet swim, especially during warmer periods when blooms have been reported in larger area waterways. Please contact your local public health agency for water monitoring programs and proactive advisories. Keep pets away from standing water, especially if it looks green or has a film on the surface.

Disease spread: Not only is climate change pushing tick and mosquito populations northward, it's also causing populations to explode within their existing ranges and extending the pests' active seasons. Ticks that once died in winter now survive year-round in many areas, while mosquitoes breed in newly moist areas that form after extreme weather events. More ticks means more Lyme disease, while increased mosquito activity contributes to the spread of heartworm disease throughout North America. Rising temperatures are also lengthening the season for these disease carriers.

What you can do: Protect against parasites and vector-borne diseases year-round. Check pets for ticks after outdoor activities, even during seasons or areas where you have never seen them before. Talk to your veterinarian about tailoring protection to the specific risks in your area.

When climate threats multiply

Climate risks vary by region—the most important risks in coastal Florida are different from those in the mountains of Colorado or urban New York. But wherever you go, the impacts are there—and they add up.

“Climate change is a thousand blows to animals. They're not experiencing this alone,” Duncan said.

For example, heat waves often coincide with poor air quality and algal blooms, creating compounding risks. More frequent severe storms not only threaten personal safety but can also trigger anxiety and behavioral changes in pets.

The American Animal Hospital Association recommends designating a dedicated indoor safe space with sedation aids for pets to retreat to during storms, which may also be useful when multiple environmental threats occur simultaneously.

“Climate change is an animal welfare issue,” Duncan said. “Many animals rely on humans to protect them. But all climate impacts that affect humans also impact our ability to care for them.

Fortunately, being informed and prepared can play a big role in protecting our pets from these growing challenges.

Take action to make your pets healthier

Understanding climate risks is the first step to protecting our animal companions in a warming world. Your veterinarian is your best partner in this – make climate preparation a part of your annual visits and discuss your pet's specific risk factors. If your veterinarian isn't already talking about climate impacts, your questions can help spark important conversations about the links between climate change and animal health.

You can also help future generations of pets by reducing the climate impact of pet care itself. For example, you can choose pet food with a smaller carbon footprint, such as cricket-based dog food. As Magnuson points out, “There are a lot of animal lovers out there. By conveying our knowledge as veterinarians, we can help inspire those who want to do what's best for animals.”