smoke from brush fires in the air

[Lani]

One of the counties in NC that is not too far from us is currently battling some intense brush fires and the smoke is starting to spread to our city. Right now it’s not too bad, you can catch a whiff of if every now and again but not bad. Most days we have all the windows in the house open since it’s warm enough and the cross ventilation has kept the smell mostly out of the house. I know the smoke doesn’t bother me right now since it’s not too bad but I’m wondering if this could cause respiratory issues in my bun? In past summers that NC has had brush fires, it’s gotten so bad here that the entire sky is covered in a thick gray cloud. Obviously if it starts getting that bad, we won’t have the windows open anymore and will switch to AC. She hasn’t been sneezing or anything but I’m just wondering if this is something I should be concerned about/if she could be more sensitive to the smoke than I am and we should switch to AC now?

[KatnipCrzy]

I am not experienced with brush fires or fires being part of an environmental issue. Here in Michigan I think we just complain about the snow.
I would think that you should have about the same tolerance as her for the smoke. Smoke tends to rise and she is probably lower to the gournd. So I would not think a whiff of smoke would be concerning. Anything more than that if it bothers you then it would bother her- and the same measures would be used to make her comfortable as would make you comfortable.
Maybe a fan or an air cleaner would help with air quality by her. Maybe gently moving air in part of her enclosure would be pleasant for her? Not really sure- maybe some other members will check in that have some experience. But unless a bunny is allergic or it is harmful- I think that some environmental factors are not detrimental. Like heat- if you live somewhere that gets really hot outside- there might just be times if your AC is not turned on yet that your bunny might experience temps warmer than typical AC temps. I have come home and found our house hot (even in Michigan) and had to turn the AC on to cool the house. The bunnies obviously experienced it but were fine in their pens with their water (and shade since they are indoors and not in the sun).

[Lani]

Thanks for the advice. The smoke is slowly getting worse every day and I know fragrances can be harmful so I worry about the this too. If it starts to get really heavy here I think I’ll put a little fan on one of the shelves in her room, just to keep the air moving.

Here’s hoping they can get the fires under control, for everyone’s sake!

[mia]

If you don’t get more info, maybe you can check with bun owners/shelters in southern Cali. They have fires almost every year so I’m sure they have procedures regarding the smoke.

[Lani]

Miaeih, that’s a really good idea, I hadn’t thought of that. Every day is different, I could smell it all day yesterday but not today. I’m still crossing my fingers that they’ll get it put out soon, for the sake of everyone that is being affected.

[Author]

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