Every year, wildfires devastate many parts of the world leaving owners and pets exposed to harmful smoke. Fires produce an assortment of damaging substances that pose a threat to your rabbit's airways, lungs, and overall well-being. Here are some ways you can help protect your rabbit and prepare for the effects of wildfire smoke.

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Educate yourself on local organizations and resources that you can turn to in times of emergency. These organizations often have websites and social media platforms that will contain up to date information for your area. Sign up for alerts in your area through your county’s office of emergency services. Follow national weather service and local air quality experts in times of emergency to get the latest in air quality. Other places you can check air quality include weather apps. Check Air Quality Index (AQI) multiple times per day: >150 is considered unhealthy.

Bring rabbits inside and avoid outdoor exercise. Provide plenty of fresh water. Keep windows closed. If air quality is extremely poor and you or your rabbits are feeling affected, you may need to consider temporary relocation to an area with better air quality, until the issues are resolved in your neighborhood. Make a pet evacuation kit with the following supplies: food for one week, medications, medical records, crates and toys.

Rabbits that have a history of cardiovascular or respiratory disease have an increased risk of serious complications from smoke inhalation. Animals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as those with brachycephalic airway syndrome are also at higher risk for complications associated with smoke inhalation. Wildfires burning in an urban area as well as building fires produce a variety of harmful substances:

• Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas which is produced in fires. Inhalation of this gas can lead to interference in the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to organs and tissues.
• Hydrogen cyanide is released during fires where plastics, cotton, wool or other synthetic materials are ignited.

Signs of smoke exposure vary depending on how long the exposure occurred, how much smoke was inhaled, and what chemicals were present in the smoke. A pet who was exposed to a small amount of smoke for a short period of time will likely show mild clinical signs that will resolve without treatment. However, if your animal shows more severe signs or prolonged symptoms, veterinary evaluation is strongly recommended. Signs of smoke inhalation that you may notice include:

• Irritation and/or redness of the eyes.
• Discharge from the nose.
• Coughing.
• Reduced appetite.
• Burns around the face and muzzle.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Weakness.
• Ataxia (walking as if they are intoxicated with loss of balance).
• Seizures.
• Excessive drooling.
• Cherry red gum color.

At the veterinary clinic, your rabbit will be closely monitored and may undergo tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG) for heart rate, pulse oximetry for oxygen levels, respiratory observation, and temperature monitoring. Depending on the severity of signs, your rabbit may also receive:

• Oxygen therapy.
• Intravenous fluids.
• Antibiotic medications.
• Pain medications.
• Bronchodilator medications to open up their airways.
• Breathing tube placement.

Most animals that have been exposed to smoke have a good prognosis but this will decline if the animal is showing neurologic signs, extensive skin burns, or deteriorating health despite hospitalization.

• American Veterinary Medical Association (online) Wildfire Smoke and Animals. Website: www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/emergencycare/wildfire-smoke-and-animals.
• British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association. Website: www.bartacic.org.
• California Veterinary Emergency Team – UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (online) Response. Website: www.cvet.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/response.
• VCA Animal Hospitals (online) Smoke Inhalation in Dogs. Website: www.vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/smoke-inhalation-in-dogs.