Haze in Malaysia: How Bad Air Quality Affects Dogs & Cats

When the skyline disappears and the air starts smelling smoky, most of us know to spend less time outside.

Our pets should too.

Dogs and cats breathe the same air we do, and haze, smoke and fine particles can irritate their eyes and respiratory system - particularly for senior pets, very young animals and pets with existing breathing or heart problems.

Should You Walk Your Dog During Haze?

Check Malaysia's current Air Pollutant Index (API) before heading out.

When air quality is poor, keep outdoor time short and practical. Skip the long walk, run or hike and save the adventure for another day.

For dogs with lots of energy, swap the walk for:

• Indoor training sessions
• Snuffle mats and scent games
• Puzzle toys
• Hide-and-seek with treats
• Short play sessions around the house

One missed walk isn't going to ruin their life. Sometimes loving them means telling them, sorry buddy, we're staying in today.

Signs Your Pet May Be Struggling With Poor Air Quality

Keep an eye out for unusual:

• Coughing or wheezing
• Excessive sneezing
• Watery or irritated eyes
• Difficulty breathing
• Unusual tiredness
• Reduced appetite

If your pet appears to have trouble breathing, contact a veterinarian promptly.

You can also bookmark our 24-Hour & Emergency Vet Guide for KL & Klang Valley so you aren't searching for one for the first time during an emergency.

Keep the Air Indoors Cleaner

On particularly hazy days, keep your doors and windows closed as much as possible.

If you're shopping for an air purifier for a home with pets, look for one with an appropriately sized HEPA filtration system for your room. Besides haze particles, a good purifier can also help reduce some of the airborne dust, fur and dander that comes with sharing a home with animals.

Just remember: an air purifier helps manage indoor air. It doesn't make poor outdoor air safe for a long walk.

Be Prepared for the Things We Can't Plan

We can choose when to walk them. We can buy the air purifier. We can keep an emergency vet number saved.

But life with pets also comes with things we can't predict.

Unexpected illnesses, accidents and emergency vet visits are one reason some pet parents choose to have pet insurance. If you're considering it in Malaysia, you can read more about Oyen Pet Insurance and decide whether the coverage makes sense for your pet and your circumstances.

As always, read the policy terms, exclusions and waiting periods before buying.

The Walk Can Wait

Our dogs probably won't understand why the walk suddenly became five minutes instead of fifty.

They'll just know we're home with them.

And really, that's a big part of having pets: learning that caring for them isn't only about giving them more adventures. Sometimes it's knowing when an adventure can wait.

The clear skies will come back.

Then we walk. 🐾

The Barkfest Club
For all the life that happens between walks.