Wildfire season can bring days - or even weeks - of smoky air and poor air quality. And while we tend to think about how wildfire smoke affects our own lungs, our dogs are breathing that same air.
Smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system, especially when dogs spend time outdoors during periods of poor air quality.
If you live in an area regularly affected by wildfire smoke, there are several ways you can reduce your dog's exposure while also using herbs and nutritional support to help support healthy respiratory function.
Is Wildfire Smoke Bad for Dogs?
Yes. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can irritate your dog's respiratory tract and eyes.
Just like humans, dogs may experience coughing, watery eyes, nasal irritation, changes in breathing or lower energy when smoke levels are high.
Some dogs may be more sensitive to smoky air, including puppies, senior dogs, brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds and dogs that already have respiratory or cardiovascular challenges.
The longer wildfire smoke hangs around, the more important it becomes to reduce unnecessary exposure and support your dog's respiratory system.
Signs Your Dog May Be Affected by Wildfire Smoke
Dogs can't tell us when the air is bothering them, so paying attention to changes in behavior and breathing can be helpful.
Signs that wildfire smoke may be irritating your dog can include:
- Coughing or gagging
- Watery or irritated eyes
- Nasal discharge
- Increased panting
- Faster breathing
- Noisy breathing
- Lower energy than usual
- Reluctance to exercise
- Reduced appetite
- Throat irritation or frequent swallowing
If the air quality is particularly poor, even healthy dogs may become uncomfortable after spending too much time outside.
How to Protect Your Dog During Wildfire Smoke
Herbal support can be useful, but the first priority during heavy smoke is reducing how much polluted air your dog is breathing.
Keep outdoor time short
During periods of poor air quality, skip long walks, hikes and strenuous outdoor exercise.
Take your dog outside for short bathroom breaks and return indoors afterward.
Keep windows and doors closed
Keeping outdoor smoke from continuously entering the house can make a big difference in indoor air quality.
Use an air purifier
A HEPA air purifier can help remove fine airborne particles from indoor air.
If you only have one purifier, creating a cleaner-air room where your dog spends most of the day can be helpful.
Keep fresh water available
Smoke and dry air can irritate the respiratory tract. Keeping your dog well hydrated helps support normal mucus membranes and overall respiratory health.
Wipe your dog down after going outside
Smoke particles can settle on your dog's coat and paws.
A quick wipe with a damp cloth after coming inside can help prevent some of those particles from staying on their fur and being licked off later.
Natural Herbs for Dogs During Wildfire Smoke
Along with reducing smoke exposure, several herbs have traditionally been used to support the lungs and respiratory tract.
When wildfire smoke is irritating the airways, I like herbs that help soothe dry tissues, support normal mucus production and promote healthy respiratory function.
Mullein for Dogs
Mullein is one of my favorite respiratory herbs.
It has a long history of traditional use for supporting the lungs and soothing irritated respiratory tissues.
Mullein can be especially useful during dry, smoky conditions because of its affinity for the respiratory system.
It is commonly used when the lungs and throat feel dry or irritated and may help support normal respiratory secretions and healthy mucus clearance.
Marshmallow Root for Dogs
Marshmallow root is incredibly soothing to irritated tissues.
It contains mucilage, a slippery plant compound that becomes gel-like when mixed with water.
This makes marshmallow especially useful when the throat or respiratory tract feels dry and irritated.
During wildfire season, marshmallow can provide gentle support for the mucus membranes lining the throat and respiratory tract.
Wild Cherry Bark for Dogs
Wild cherry bark has traditionally been used in herbal respiratory formulas, particularly when coughing or throat irritation is present.
It has soothing properties and is often combined with herbs such as mullein and marshmallow in respiratory blends.
Because this herb has traditionally been used very specifically and dosage matters, I prefer using it as part of a professionally formulated blend rather than casually adding large amounts to food.
Osha Root for Dogs
Osha has a long history of traditional use as a respiratory herb.
It has traditionally been used to support the lungs, throat and upper respiratory system during times of environmental stress.
Osha is a powerful herb and isn't something I typically think of as an everyday nutritional herb. It is better suited to intentional herbal formulas where the amount can be properly controlled.
Chlorophyll-Rich Plants
Green plants rich in chlorophyll provide phytonutrients and antioxidants that can be incorporated into a nutrient-dense diet.
During periods of environmental stress, supporting the body with nutrient-rich foods can complement more targeted herbal respiratory support.
Some dog-friendly chlorophyll-rich foods include:
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Spinach
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Wheatgrass
- Spirulina
These don't replace respiratory herbs, but they can be an easy way to add additional plant nutrients to your dog's diet.
How to Give Respiratory-Supporting Herbs to Your Dog
There are several ways to incorporate herbs depending on the plant and your dog's preferences.
Herbal Extracts
Liquid herbal extracts are one of my favorite options because they're concentrated, easy to dose and simple to add directly to food.
They're especially convenient during wildfire season when you may want consistent herbal support without preparing tea several times a day.
Herbal Tea
Certain gentle herbs such as mullein or marshmallow can be prepared as tea.
Once cooled, the tea can be mixed into your dog's food or offered in a small amount of broth.
Bone Broth
Adding appropriate herbs to homemade bone broth can be another easy way to provide both hydration and herbal support.
This can be particularly helpful during dry weather when encouraging additional fluid intake is beneficial.
Herbal Powders
Powdered herbs can often be sprinkled directly onto food.
Just remember that some herbs are much stronger than others, so more isn't necessarily better.
Herbal Respiratory Support for Dogs During Wildfire Season
Wildfire season was exactly why I created Furbal Remedies Smoke Relief.
Smoke Relief is a concentrated herbal extract formulated specifically to support dogs during periods of smoke, poor air quality and environmental respiratory stress.
Rather than relying on a single herb, the formula combines respiratory-supporting herbs that work together to soothe irritated tissues and support normal lung and respiratory function.
For families who live in wildfire-prone areas, I like having Smoke Relief on hand before the smoke actually arrives rather than scrambling once the air quality changes.
A Whole-Body Approach to Wildfire Season
When wildfire smoke rolls in, no single supplement can replace clean air.
The best approach is a combination of reducing exposure, improving indoor air quality, maintaining hydration and using herbs strategically to support the respiratory system.
That may look like:
- Shorter outdoor trips
- Running a HEPA air purifier
- Keeping windows closed
- Wiping your dog down after outdoor time
- Providing plenty of fresh water
- Adding respiratory-supportive herbs when needed
Taking these steps together can make wildfire season much more manageable for both you and your dog.
