HAZE can trigger lung inflammation and potentially fatal breathing difficulties in cats and dogs, prompting veterinarians to urge owners to keep their pets indoors and minimise exposure to polluted air.
The warning follows a social media post on Threads by a pet owner who claimed their cat had died due to the haze, raising concerns among other pet owners about the effects of worsening air quality on animals.
Kitty’s Care Veterinary Clinic and Surgery owner Dr Muhammad Naim Md Kasim said fine particles and pollutants in the air could enter animals’ respiratory systems, causing irritation and inflammation that could impair lung function.
“Pets also have the same respiratory system as humans... they have a nose, trachea and lungs. When the environment is unhealthy due to haze, dust or impurities in the air, it can affect the lung health of cats and dogs.
“When these impurities enter the body, irritation occurs because foreign substances have entered, triggering inflammation,” he told Bernama.
He said owners should watch for symptoms such as breathing difficulties and watery eyes, although these signs could also be caused by other conditions and required veterinary assessment before a diagnosis could be made.
Pets with existing respiratory problems, including asthma, those with heart disease and older animals were particularly vulnerable to severe effects from polluted air, he added.
“My advice is that if we know our pets have heart disease, respiratory problems or similar conditions, try not to take them outside. Keep them indoors and ensure the air quality at home is also good,” he said.
Indoor cats were not entirely protected, as polluted outdoor air could still enter homes, particularly when windows were frequently left open.
Dr Muhammad Naim warned that prolonged exposure without timely treatment could worsen lung inflammation and threaten an animal’s life.
“If left for too long, there is a possibility they could die. It is the same with humans: if we stay outdoors for a long time in a hazy environment and continue breathing polluted air without prompt treatment, the inflammation can worsen and cause death due to a lack of oxygen,” he said.
Pets experiencing breathing difficulties may require oxygen therapy, while anti-inflammatory medication or antibiotics may be prescribed depending on the veterinarian’s assessment, including whether a bacterial infection is present. - October 17, 2026