From UC Davis

Severe wildfires expose humans and animals to unhealthy air containing who knows what! These particulates can affect our respiratory systems. There is limited information available to horse owners, but the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine published Guidelines for Horses Exposed to Smoke.

Quick takeaways (from UC Davis article Wildfire Smoke and Horses):

• Unhealthy air containing wildfire smoke and particulates can cause health problems in people and animals.
• Particulates from smoke tend to be very small, which allows them to reach the deepest airways within the lungs.
• Wildfire smoke can cause respiratory issues for horses. They may experience reduced lung function and difficulty breathing.
• Knowing what is normal versus concerning can help to know whether a veterinarian should evaluate your horse.
• Limit exercise when smoke is visible and give your horse ample time to recover from smoke-induced airway insult.

For more information please visit the following links:

Quick Reference Guide: Horse Owners
Quick Reference Guide: Veterinarians