08/19/2026
☀️🐾 Versa Summer Safety #7 | If You Can Smell It, They’re Breathing It
With so many wildfires burning right now, we’re seeing and smelling smoke throughout our area. It’s a good reminder that wildfire smoke doesn’t just affect us. Our dogs are breathing it too. 🌫️
Smoke can irritate their eyes and respiratory system, and strenuous activity means they’re breathing even more of that smoky air.
On smoky days:
🏠 Keep outdoor time short and save the big adventures for another day.
🎾 Skip strenuous outdoor exercise and training.
💧 Keep plenty of fresh water available.
🪟 Keep windows and doors closed when possible.
📱 Check your local Air Quality Index (AQI) before heading out.
👀 Watch for coughing, gagging, irritated eyes, unusual fatigue, weakness, or changes in breathing.
Puppies, seniors, flat-faced breeds, and dogs with heart or respiratory conditions may need extra caution.
And if the air outside isn’t cooperating? Bring the fun indoors! Scent work, tricks, food puzzles, snuffle mats, and a little training session can make a smoke day a pretty great dog day. 🐕🧩
❤️ The training can wait. Their lungs can’t.
Stay safe out there, friends. We’re hoping for clearer skies and safer days ahead for everyone affected by these fires.
