Every morning you wake up, drink in that first sweet gulp of air, and probably don’t give another thought to breathing for the rest of the day. Like most people, you take breathing for granted — until you have a stuffy nose or step out into a particularly smoggy city. Your pooch is probably the same way. The only difference? It’s much, much easier for him to feel the effects of poor air quality. The smaller the animal, the bigger the impact of Pollution on him.

And it’s not just outdoors that your dog may have trouble taking a deep breath. Depending on what you’re doing indoors, he might be wheezing his way through your home, too. Have you ever wondered about the impact that your home’s air quality has on your beloved pup? If the answer is no, then it’s time to listen up.

Indoor Pollution

Many studies have shown the ill effects of air pollution on humans, including an increased risk for heart disease and respiratory problems, but only recently have scientists begun to study the impact of air pollution on pets. So far, the results have been disheartening, to say the least. Researchers have found that what you’re doing in your own home could be hurting your pet without you even realizing it.

For example, a Study Conducted in 2011 discovered that cats who lived with smokers (who smoked indoors) experienced poorer lung function than those who didn’t, a finding that could easily translate to canines. Another study found a link between certain types of cancer and Cleaning Products, as well as owners who smoked.

Outdoor Pollution

If you think that cracking a window is all you need to do to make the air in your home healthy, think again. “Fresh air” isn’t always so fresh. Industrial smog, car exhaust and other pollutants in the air can contribute to allergies in dogs and other respiratory problems, at best, and trigger seizures, at worst. A study conducted in Mexico City, one of the most polluted cities in the world, linked the subpar air quality to inflammation and increased plaques in the brain — similar to early-stage Alzheimer’s in humans.

Even if you don’t live in an industrialized area, your pup may encounter pollutants on your daily walk due to the presence of pesticides. The University of Massachusetts surveyed 700 dog owners and found that pooches that were exposed to certain pesticides had a 70 percent higher chance of developing lymphoma if their owner used pesticides in the yard.

Potential Solutions

With all of this ominous information at your fingertips, the next logical question is: what can I do about it? While you can’t really control the quality of the air outside, you can take control of the particles that float around within your home. First things first: ensure you have a proper ventilation system. When air doesn’t circulate correctly, particles can get trapped that may irritate your pup’s nose and throat. So install an air filtration system and be sure to perform routine maintenance (i.e., change the filter).

In addition to a traditional air filter, you may also want to try a few natural versions. You probably learned as a child that trees filter the air. Certain houseplants can do this on a smaller scale. Certain potted plants like the spider plant and Boston fern act as air purifiers that are able to keep indoor irritants at bay.

Of course, when it comes to the air circulating in your home, the best way to keep it pollutant-free is to not fill it with pollutants in the first place. Avoid smoking indoors and switch to green cleaning products that are free of toxic chemicals. Don’t forget that your pooch has a much smaller set of lungs than you do, so something that might cause minor respiratory irritation for you may trouble him for much longer.

You can’t remove industrial pollution from the air that swirls outside, but you’re more than capable of keeping the air in your home clean and healthy. So follow the previous tips in order to offer your pup a safe haven where the breathing is easy. That way, he’ll be able to recover quickly after facing any irritants that do lurk beyond your doorstep.

Bio:

Emily is an avid animal lover and pet and wildlife conservation blogger. She has also written for Continental Kennel Club and is a contributor to PetsBlogs. To read more of her articles, check out her blog, Conservation Folks, or follow her on Twitter.