Protecting pets from haze effects in Singapore

Rabbits also have an extremely slow blink rate – as slow as three to four times an hour.

Blinking serves as a protective function by lubricating the eye surface and removing debris. A slow blink rate may therefore mean rabbits are more susceptible to the adverse effects of airborne pollutants that are deposited in the eye. 

Haze also impacts birds, which are designed for flight. Some, like swifts, spend most of their lives in the air – foraging, drinking, mating and even sleeping on the wing. Their aerial lifestyle is enabled by a highly efficient respiratory system.

But this is a double-edged sword, as it also renders them particularly vulnerable to smoke, aerosols and fumes. This is why smoking in the house, or using Teflon cookware, should be avoided in households with pet birds.

Birds with trouble breathing may have a generally fluffed appearance, take deeper breaths, and have a tail bob.

Protecting your pet

With an understanding of the potential effects of the haze, how then might we protect our pets? The following are suggestions to consider: 

1. Outdoors

Check PSI and PM2.5 levels before bringing your pet outdoors. As a precaution, reduce outdoor activities when PSI reaches “unhealthy” levels especially for vulnerable pets and avoid outdoor activities altogether when PSI reaches “very unhealthy” levels and beyond.

Avoid strenuous exercise and take shorter walks when air quality is poor. When exercising your pet outdoors, head out in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler or take shaded and well-ventilated routes.

During walks, monitor your pet closely for early signs of respiratory distress, such as increased panting, respiratory noise or reluctance to continue exercising.  

2. Indoors

In the absence of outdoor activities, take the opportunity to instead engage in enrichment activities at home.

Attention should also be paid to the indoor environment. When haze levels tip into the unhealthy range, close your windows where practical. Using air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can also help protect indoor air quality.

Regular cleaning of floors and furniture can help reduce pets’ exposure to particulate matter that has settled in the home.

Ultimately, it is important to monitor your pets closely during periods of high haze levels. Seek prompt veterinary advice if your pet develops any of the above-mentioned signs. As a reminder, these include: