{
  "id": 15110664,
  "title": "Haze can cause life-threatening lung inflammation in cats and dogs, vet warns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/haze-can-cause-life-threatening-lung-inflammation-in-cats-and-dogs",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T03:52:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/lifestyles/128451/haze-can-cause-life-threatening-lung-inflammation-in-cats-and-dogs-vet-warns"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Haze can lead to life-threatening lung inflammation and breathing difficulties in cats and dogs, according to veterinarians. Pet owners are being advised to keep their pets indoors and limit their exposure to polluted air following a social media post about a cat's death in haze. Dr Muhammad Naim Md Kasim, owner of Kitty’s Care Veterinary Clinic, explained that fine particles and pollutants in the air can enter an animal's respiratory system, causing irritation and inflammation that impairs lung function. He emphasized that cats and dogs have the same respiratory system as humans, so when unhealthy air quality enters their bodies, it can cause irritation and inflammation. Symptoms of respiratory distress to watch for include breathing difficulties and watery eyes, though these could also indicate other conditions. Pets with pre-existing respiratory problems, such as asthma, heart disease, or older animals, are particularly vulnerable to severe effects from polluted air. Dr Muhammad Naim advised keeping pets indoors and maintaining good indoor air quality to minimize risks. Prolonged exposure without treatment could worsen lung inflammation and potentially lead to death. Treatment options may include oxygen therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or antibiotics, depending on the veterinarian's assessment.",
  "summary": "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 Thre...",
  "key_points": [
    "Haze causes life-threatening lung inflammation in cats and dogs.",
    "Veterinarians advise keeping pets indoors to limit exposure.",
    "Symptoms include breathing difficulties and watery eyes."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The similarity between human and animal respiratory systems means that poor air quality poses a direct physiological threat to pets, necessitating proactive indoor management to prevent fatal lung inflammation.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}