When we think about keeping our pets safe at home, we may think about secure fences, toxic foods, medications, or keeping dangerous objects out of reach. But there is another household hazard that is much harder to detect: carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide exposure can cause serious illness or death. Because pets spend much of their time at home, they can be exposed to dangerous levels of CO without anyone realizing it.
National Pet Carbon Monoxide Safety Day is observed every September 17. It serves as an important reminder to check your home's CO safety measures and make sure your four-legged family members are protected, too.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced when fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, propane, oil, wood, and charcoal don’t burn completely. Often called the “silent killer,” CO can interfere with the body’s ability to carry oxygen, potentially affecting vital organs. The good news? CO poisoning is preventable. Knowing the potential sources and maintaining working carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home can help protect your entire family, including your pets.
What Causes Carbon Monoxide in a Home?
Carbon monoxide is produced by fuel-burning appliances and equipment. Common sources in and around the home include:
Furnaces and other heating systems
Gas stoves and ranges
Gas or oil-powered water heaters
Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves
Portable generators
Dryer vents
Charcoal grills
Gas-powered tools and equipment
Vehicles running in or near an attached garage
Portable fuel-burning heaters or camping equipment
CO can become especially dangerous when these sources are used incorrectly, malfunction, or don't have adequate ventilation.
For example, never run a portable generator inside a home, basement, garage, or other enclosed space. The CDC recommends operating generators outdoors and more than 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents. Similarly, never burn charcoal indoors or leave a vehicle running in an attached garage, even if the garage door is open. Regular professional maintenance of fuel-burning appliances, heating systems, chimneys, and vehicle exhaust systems can also help reduce the risk.
How Can You Check for Carbon Monoxide in Your Home?
Because you can't see or smell CO, a carbon monoxide detector is your best line of defense.
Install CO Detectors Throughout Your Home
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends installing carbon monoxide alarms:
On every level of your home
Outside sleeping areas
In hallways near bedrooms and other sleeping areas
According to the manufacturer's installation instructions
Interconnected alarms are an excellent option because when one detects dangerous levels of CO, the others can sound as well. CO alarms should not be hidden behind furniture or curtains, and CPSC advises against placing them in kitchens or directly above fuel-burning appliances.
Test Your Alarms Regularly
It is recommended to test smoke and CO alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed. CO detectors should also be replaced according to the manufacturer's listed lifespan.
It's a good idea to make checking your detectors part of your regular home-maintenance routine. Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do if a CO alarm sounds and include your pets in your emergency and evacuation plans.
Are Pets at Risk From Carbon Monoxide?
Absolutely. Dogs, cats, and other household pets can suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning just like people can. In fact, pets may be particularly vulnerable because they can spend more time inside the home than their owners. Pets may also show signs of CO exposure before their owners notice symptoms. Their smaller size and faster breathing can contribute to more rapid effects, although the severity depends on factors such as the concentration of CO and the length of exposure.
Can Dogs Smell Carbon Monoxide?
No. Despite a dog's incredible sense of smell, dogs cannot smell carbon monoxide. CO is odorless, so neither you nor your dog can detect its presence by scent. That's why you shouldn't rely on your pet's behavior or your own senses to determine whether your home is safe. A properly installed and maintained carbon monoxide detector is essential.
What Are the Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Pets?
Recognizing potential symptoms can help you act quickly, but keep in mind that these signs can have many different causes. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to CO, treat it as an emergency.
Early or Less Severe Symptoms
Potential signs of CO poisoning in pets can include:
Unusual tiredness or lethargy
Weakness
Dizziness or loss of coordination
Vomiting
Confusion or unusual behavior
Reduced ability or willingness to exercise
Difficulty breathing
These symptoms can be easily mistaken for other illnesses, which is one reason CO poisoning can be so difficult to recognize.
Severe Symptoms
As exposure becomes more serious, pets may experience:
Severe difficulty breathing
Loss of coordination
Collapse
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
Coma
Death
Bright, cherry-red gums or mucous membranes can occur with CO poisoning, although this is not always visible and should never be relied upon as a way to diagnose exposure.
What Should You Do If You Suspect CO Poisoning?
If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds or you suspect exposure, get everyone, including your pets, outside into fresh air immediately and call 911 or local emergency services. Do not re-enter the home until it has been determined safe. If your pet is showing symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care and let the veterinarian know that CO exposure may be involved.
A Healthy Home Includes a Clean Yard
National Pet Carbon Monoxide Safety Day is a reminder to create a safe, healthy environment for the pets who spend so much time at home. And that also includes the yard! Regular pet waste removal helps keep your outdoor space cleaner and more enjoyable for your family and pets. If scooping keeps falling to the bottom of your to-do list, let DoodyCalls handle the dirty work. With convenient, reliable pet waste removal services tailored to your needs, we can take one more chore off your plate, whether you need a one-time cleanup or recurring service. Keep your home safe, your yard clean, and more time in your day for enjoying life with your pets.