smoke season

Pepper · 07-06-2008, 03:24 AM

okay, so I live in Alaska, and its summer so its fire season, so theres like always smoke in the air...I'm wondering if it could be bad for Pepper's health. Should I not take her out for long walks, or...what? Much thanks =]

winniec777 · 07-06-2008, 03:44 AM

We live in a fire-prone area (there's one burning 2-3 miles from us right now) as well. County health officials have put out advisories for pets, saying don't walk your pets or keep them outside while the smoke is in the air. Apparently the problem is not just with obvious smoke and particles you can see, but with particulates you can't see that can be inhaled and that imbed themselves in the lungs, causing trouble. We've been driving out of the fire/smoke range every day to take our dog for a walk. It's a pain, but it's better for all of us.

P.S. Just reread your post. When you say there's always smoke in the air, I wonder how much that is. If it's a low level, it may be ok. If local govt is issuing an air quality warning for humans, though, I would assume it applies to pets as well. I would check with your county fire department -- they'll have info on this to help you figure it out.

Pepper · 07-06-2008, 03:51 AM

yeah, I don't see any warnings, but pretty much our whole summer theres some sort of smoke in the air because there are a lot of fires in other cities, and the wind blows the smoke toward us...But I'll watch the news and fire reports and see if they say anything about keeping pets in, I didn't think of that! thanks =]

winniec777 · 07-06-2008, 06:37 AM

I didn't realize Alaska had a fire season -- makes sense, though. You're lucky to be in such a beautiful place. Guess it has to have a downside, too. I've been there once, on the coast. It was so beautiful I felt like I was walking around in a postcard the whole time. The 50 lb mosquitoes quickly brought me back to reality, though...

Pepper · 07-06-2008, 05:11 PM

I hear that! The bugs are such a pain! I forgot to put on bug spray my first time to go fishing...And I cam home covered in bites...I was just like...nnooooo another downside is, were all pale here unless you go lay in a tanning bed, which I would rather look like a ghost =D lol At least I blend in with all the snow!

Kathyy · 07-07-2008, 12:26 PM

It should be possible to find a report on air quality. I would just go by it. If quality is fair to good go out and about. Not just the dog, watch it for your health! I wonder if air quality changes through the day, perhaps early or late would have cleaner air.

I missed most of the mosquitos on my Alaska trip. Most. I like the way they let you out of the car and down the trail before sucking you dry. Smart bugs they are.

I liked the one pass that was covered with blueberry bushes. Huckleberry? The berries weren't quite ripe but I felt like I was in one of my favorite children's books, "Blueberries for Sal". Oh, the wildlife, the people, quite an experience. Never was dark, too tired to stay up for sunset or get up at dawn. We drove up on the Alaska Highway.