365telugu.com online news,New Delhi, January 6th, 2026: As Air Quality Index (AQI) levels across Indian metros like Delhi and Mumbai frequently hit “severe” categories, the health impact is no longer limited to humans. New reports and veterinary data suggest that India’s pet dogs are increasingly becoming “collateral damage” in the country’s air pollution crisis.
The Proximity Peril: Why Dogs Suffer More
Dogs are uniquely vulnerable to poor air quality due to their biology and behavior:
Ground-Level Exposure: Toxic particles like PM2.5 and PM10 are heavier and tend to settle closer to the ground—exactly where dogs walk and sniff.
Higher Breathing Rate: Per kilo of body weight, dogs inhale more air than humans, leading to a higher intake of toxins.
Lack of Protection: While humans can use N95 masks, dogs have no effective respiratory protection, allowing pollutants to lodge deep in their lungs.
Surge in “Pollution Patients” at Vet Clinics
Veterinarians are reporting a significant spike in respiratory ailments during the winter smog months. Senior dogs, puppies, and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Pugs, Boxers, and Shih Tzus are the most affected.
Common clinical observations include:
Chronic bronchitis and persistent coughing.
Red, watery eyes and nasal discharge.
Extreme lethargy and reluctance to exercise.
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Severe cases requiring the use of nebulizers and bronchodilators.
Protecting Your Pet: Actionable Advice
Experts suggest that while total escape from pollution is impossible, pet parents can take several protective measures:
Walk Timing: Monitor AQI apps and avoid peak traffic hours. Choose early mornings or late nights when particulate matter might be lower.
Post-Walk Hygiene: Wipe your dog’s paws, coat, and face with a damp cloth after walks to remove settled chemicals before they can lick them off.
Indoor Air Quality: Minimize the use of incense sticks, strong floor cleaners, and room sprays. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters where possible.
Dietary Defense: Boost your dog’s immunity with antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, pumpkin, and Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil).
Gut Health: Incorporate probiotics and prebiotics to strengthen the gut-immunity axis, helping the body fight inflammation.
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The rising AQI serves as a “One Health” wake-up call, emphasizing that the environment affects every member of the household. If the air is unsafe for a human, it is likely doubly dangerous for a pet. Early recognition of symptoms and proactive lifestyle adjustments are now essential components of responsible pet ownership in India’s urban landscapes.