In today's issue:

-Meet our dog of the day

-Enjoy a laugh with our dog meme of the day

-Get great information in our featured article

-Take our action of the week

-Check out our family photo of the day

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How to Keep Your Pets Safe During Air Quality Alerts

If you stepped outside in Chicago this morning as I did, you likely noticed the thick, campfire-scented haze hanging over the skyline. Canadian wildfire smoke is pushing our Air Quality Index (AQI) well into the "unhealthy" and "very unhealthy" zones. Other parts of the Midwest like Wisconsin have even worse AQIs today, and it's always handy to know what to do on days like this.

Our four-legged family members breathe the very same air, but they can't tell us when their chest feels tight or their eyes are burning. Because animals have higher respiratory rates than we do, days like today require a little extra vigilance to keep them safe, comfortable, and happy indoors.

Keep the "Business Trips" Quick

Today is not the day for a long, winding stroll through the neighborhood or a game of fetch at the local dog park. Keep potty breaks strictly business-oriented.

• Limit exposure: Bring your dog or cat right back inside once they've done their business.
• Wipe them down: When they come back in, use a damp cloth to gently wipe down their paws, face, and fur. This removes any microscopic soot or ash particles they might have picked up, preventing them from licking them off later during grooming.

Create an Indoor Sanctuary

To keep the smoky air out, keep your windows and doors firmly shut.

• Recirculate the air: Set your air conditioning to "recirculate" so you aren’t pulling in smoky outside air.
• Run air purifiers: If you have HEPA filter air purifiers, run them in the rooms where your pet spends the most time.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Keep fresh water bowls filled to help keep their throat and airways moist.

Know the Warning Signs

Some pets are more vulnerable than others. Brachycephalic breeds (those cute, smush-faced dogs and cats like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Persians) already struggle with airflow and are at a much higher risk on high-AQI days. The same goes for senior pets or those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions.

Keep a close eye out for these red flags:

• Unusual coughing, wheezing, or sneezing
• Heavy, labored panting or breathing with an open mouth (especially in cats, which is always an emergency)
• Watery, red, or squinting eyes
• Lethargy, weakness, or a sudden refusal to eat

Note: If you notice your pet breathing heavily or showing signs of respiratory distress, don't wait for the skies to clear—reach out to your local vet right away.

Swap Physical Workouts for Brain Games

If your high-energy pup is getting stir-crazy from staying indoors, swap their physical exercise for mental stimulation. Keeping them mentally active is a fantastic way to tire them out without putting pressure on their lungs.

• Puzzle Toys: Break out the interactive treats or snuffle mats to make them work for their kibble.
• Indoor Training: Spend ten minutes teaching them a new trick or brushing up on basics like "stay" or "place."
• Scent Games: Hide a few smelly treats around the living room and let them put their nose to work.

The winds are expected to shift and start clearing things out by the weekend. Until then, curl up inside, turn up the AC, and enjoy some extra indoor snuggle time with your favorite furry co-pilot. Stay safe

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Steve's Real Food - Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe Cat and Dog Food: Possible Low Thiamine Levels (B1)
• Raaw Energy - Dog Food: Potential Listeria Contamination
• Albright's Raw Pet Food - Chicken Recipe for Dogs: Potential Salmonella
  Exposure

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We want to feature your pup!

We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.