How Badly Is Delhi’s Air Pollution Affecting Cats and Dogs? What Can You Do To Help Their Health?

Real Health Impacts

Delhi’s outdoor air quality frequently reaches very poor or severe levels during winter smog. This isn’t just bad for humans; it harms pets too:

• Respiratory irritation and coughing: Pets breathe more rapidly close to the ground and inhale tiny particles (PM2.5), leading to coughing, wheezing, gagging, or persistent bronchial irritation.

• Chronic bronchitis and lung inflammation: Extended exposure can cause long-term respiratory issues like bronchitis.

• Eye irritation and nasal discharge: Pollutants cause red, watery eyes and nasal irritation in both cats and dogs.

• Compromised immunity and infections: A weakened immune system makes pets more prone to infections, allergies, and slower recovery.

• Higher risk for sensitive pets: Flat-faced breeds (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs) and older or already-ill animals are especially vulnerable.

Warning anecdote: In recent smog season reports, even a Golden Retriever in Delhi had to be treated with a nebuliser for bronchitis linked to polluted air. (Link to news report)

What You Can Do at Home?

1. Reduce Exposure, Most Important

• Keep pets indoors more often: Minimise outdoor exposure on high-pollution days, restrict walks to essential bathroom breaks.

• Avoid exercise outdoors: Strenuous activity increases breathing rate and pollutant intake.

• Close windows/doors: Prevent outdoor smog from entering indoor spaces during severe AQI days.

2. Air Purifiers and Indoor Air Quality

An air purifier with a true HEPA filter can significantly reduce fine particulate pollution indoors, the very particles that cause respiratory damage:

Benefits of using an air purifier for your pets:

• Reduces airborne PM2.5 particles that irritate lungs.

• Helps capture pet dander and allergens, easing breathing discomfort.

• Carbon filters can also reduce odours and VOCs.

Placement tip: Put the purifier where your pets spend most time (living room or bedroom).

3. Clean Indoor Environment

• Use pet-safe cleaning products (no bleach/ammonia), as harsh chemicals can compound indoor respiratory stress.

• Vacuum regularly with a HEPA-equipped vacuum to reduce settled dust and allergens.

• Avoid smoking or burning incense at home.

4. Nutrition and Supplements That Can Help Pets Cope

Hemp Seed Oil

• Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that support anti-inflammatory pathways, aiding respiratory and skin health.

• Helps maintain a healthier immune response, which is stressed by pollution.

Bone Broth

• Hydrating and soothing for the gut and immune system.

• Can help maintain joint and mucosal health, especially useful if pets are coughing or sluggish.

Revive Supplement

• Helps rehydrate and replenish electrolytes, which assists dogs and cats who may become lethargic or dehydrated from stress and reduced appetite during pollution waves.

• Useful after limited outdoor activity or if illness signs appear.

Vitality / Immunity Booster Supplements

Consider supplements formulated for pets that support:

• Antioxidant pathways (e.g., Vitamin E, C)

• Respiratory support

• Immune function to help fight secondary infections.

(As always, check with your veterinarian before introducing new supplements to ensure proper dose and compatibility for your pet’s age, weight, and health status.)

5. Watch for Dangerous Signs

Seek veterinary care if your pet shows:

• Persistent coughing or gagging

• Labored or fast breathing

• Bluish gums

• Lethargy or loss of appetite

• Eye or nasal discharge

Air pollution affects pets much like wildfire smoke does in other parts of the world, irritation, inflammation, and breathing distress, so doctors treat it similarly.

6. Lifestyle Tips for Delhi’s Smog Season

1. Timing walks: If must go out, do it early morning or late evening when traffic and smog may be slightly lower.

2. Indoor enrichment: Play fetch indoors or use puzzle toys to keep dogs mentally and physically stimulated. 

3. Air quality awareness: Use an AQI app or website to check the air before stepping out with pets.

Summary

Delhi’s air pollution is not just a human health crisis, it seriously affects cats and dogs too, mostly through respiratory stress, eye irritation, lowered immunity, and long-term lung issues. But with practical steps, air purifiers, indoor time, careful exercise, and targeted nutritional support (like hemp seed oil, bone broth, Goofy Tails Revive ORS, and immunity/vitality boosters), you can reduce the impact and help your pets cope better during smog episodes