Protect your pets from poor air quality – keep them indoors!

If you are feeling the effects of the poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke, chances are your pets are, too.

Vaughan Animal Services is recommending you keep your elderly dogs, flat-faced dogs and cats, and domestic birds indoors as much as possible. Only let your dogs outside for short periods of time, if needed. Make sure they have plenty of water to keep them hydrated.

To report a sick or injured wild animal, please call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281. For more information, visit vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.

Environment Canada update

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Vaughan due to high levels of air pollution caused by smoke from forest fires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario.

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. However, people with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects.

The City of Vaughan is advising you to take necessary precautions. You are urged to stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or if you, or someone in your care, feel unwell. You should also contact your healthcare provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice in managing wildfire smoke events.

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