Children and pets are most at risk with poor air quality
PORTLAND, Ore. (NewsNation Now) — Poor air quality from the wildfires is a major risk for children and pets.
Pet owners are being urged not to bring pets outside because they don’t know how to manage their energy.
Dr. Karen Kline is the medical director at VCA NW, an Oregon veterinary clinic. She told NewsNation affiliate KOIN, pet owners should keep an eye on changes in the way your pet is breathing.
“If you notice their respiratory rate going up, you’ll want to check their gum color, make sure they’re eating and drinking,” said Dr. Kline.
To find out more about air quality conditions in your area, NewsNation has an interactive smoke map. Residents across the west coast can check the air quality index in their direct area by using the search bar in the color-coded map, which contains up-to-the-hour data from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Smoke was seen even on the East coast Wednesday night, and satellites show it has traveled to Europe. The most dangerous conditions, however, are along the West coast.