Senior Pets are at risk of high pollution

Pollution is something that affects all species – with the amount of construction that is going on in cities, we are constantly faced with foggy skylines and poor visibility.
But not all meet the eye – our animals are also impacted by this side effect of rapid urbanization with the need to create infrastructure to meet growing needs as the hordes migrate to the cities for work and otherwise.
Not only do community animals get displaced due to new roads/flyovers/high rises coming up, but they are breathing in and sleeping on the construction sites – inhaling toxic fumes and subject to incessant noise. Not only are they frightened and displaced, but they are also having a hard time coping with the pollution levels – there is a higher incidence of skin issues, breathing difficulties and tumours amongst our community animals as a result.
Further- our home pets are not spared. They are also living in terribly polluted environments – they come into contact with noise, dust and other pollutants, every time they go out for a walk etc
I was always paranoid not about the diseases that would be lurking on the sidewalk but what chemicals are being used to clean the lifts, common areas in our building and with the advent of covid- even roads and pavements were constantly being sprayed.
But at least there is something we can do to help our home pets – we can wipe them down post walk to reduce any adverse effect from contact with pollutants and chemicals. We can choose pet friendly floor cleaners and eco-friendly detergents. Avoid synthetic air fresheners or incense sticks – this can irritate them due to their strong sense of smell and have other negative side effects.
For a healthy long life, try and keep things as natural as possible, starting from their diet to their environment. Every little bit counts!
(Anjali Kalachand, Pet Nutritionist and Co-Founder, A Petter Life)