Dog Walking AQI Thresholds
AQI 0-50: Safe for All Dogs
Normal walks, play, and exercise. No restrictions on outdoor time.
AQI 51-100: Generally Safe
Normal walks OK. Watch older dogs and brachycephalic breeds. Avoid intense running.
AQI 101-150: Shorten Walks
Brief potty breaks only (10-15 minutes). No vigorous exercise. Senior dogs stay inside.
AQI 151-200: Minimal Outdoor Time
Quick potty trips only (5 minutes max). All dogs at risk. Consider indoor alternatives.
AQI 201+: Stay Indoors
Use pee pads or indoor potty area. Do not walk dogs outside.
Why Dogs Are Vulnerable
- Nose to ground: Breathe pollutants that settle at lowest level
- Faster breathing: Panting increases pollutant intake
- Smaller size: Small dogs breathe more rapidly
- Limited communication: Can't tell you when feeling unwell
- Hot pavement: Combined stress of heat + pollution
High-Risk Dog Breeds
Brachycephalic (Flat-Faced) Breeds
- Bulldogs (English, French), Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus
- Already have breathing difficulties
- Avoid outdoor walks when AQI exceeds 100
- Need extra caution even in moderate air quality
Senior Dogs (7+ years)
- More susceptible to pollution effects
- Shorten walks when AQI is 76-100
- Avoid outdoor time above AQI 100
Dogs with Health Conditions
- Heart disease, asthma, respiratory issues
- Walk only when AQI is below 75
- Consult vet about air quality limits
Walk Modifications by AQI
AQI 51-100: Minor Adjustments
- Normal walk length acceptable
- Avoid intense running or fetch
- Choose shaded routes
- Bring water for dog
- Watch for excessive panting
AQI 101-150: Significant Limits
- Potty breaks only: 10-15 minutes max
- Slow walking pace
- No ball throwing or running
- Choose grass over pavement
- Immediate return home if dog shows distress
AQI 151+: Minimal Exposure
- Quick bathroom trips only: 5 minutes
- Stay close to home
- Consider indoor potty alternatives
- All breeds at risk
Best Routes for Dog Walking
Cleaner Air Routes
- Parks with grass: Better air quality than streets
- Residential streets: Less traffic pollution
- Nature trails: Trees filter air
- Away from roads: 100+ feet ideal
Routes to Avoid
- Busy streets: Direct traffic exhaust exposure
- Parking lots: Vehicle emissions
- Bus routes: Diesel fumes
- Highways: High pollution concentration
Best Times for Dog Walks
Early Morning (6 AM - 9 AM)
Best time: Lowest AQI, coolest temperatures. Ideal for longer walks and exercise. Dogs enjoy morning routine. Ozone hasn't formed.
Midday (11 AM - 3 PM)
Worst time: Peak ozone, hottest temperatures. Double stress for dogs. Only quick potty breaks if necessary. Keep off hot pavement.
Evening (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM)
Second best: Air quality improving, temperatures cooling. Good for main walk if morning not possible. Still watch for symptoms.
Warning Signs in Dogs
Watch For These Symptoms
- Excessive panting beyond normal
- Coughing or gagging
- Slowing down or refusing to walk
- Eye discharge or redness
- Sitting or lying down during walk
- Disorientation or weakness
Emergency Actions
- Return home immediately
- Provide water
- Move to air-conditioned room
- Contact vet if symptoms persist
- Seek emergency care for severe distress
Alternative Exercise Options
Indoor Activities
- Indoor fetch: Hallway or large room
- Tug of war: Physical exercise indoors
- Hide and seek: Mental stimulation
- Treat puzzles: Mental engagement
- Stair climbing: If vet-approved
- Treadmill: For trained dogs
Protected Spaces
- Indoor dog parks: Climate-controlled facilities
- Doggy daycare: Supervised indoor play
- Covered parking structures: Brief walks in emergencies
Bathroom Solutions
For Extended Poor Air Quality
- Pee pads: Indoor bathroom option
- Artificial grass patches: Indoor or covered patio
- Litter box: Can train small dogs
- Covered patio: Some protection from outdoor air
Post-Walk Care
After Walks in Poor Air Quality
- Wipe paws with damp cloth to remove pollutants
- Brush coat to remove particles
- Provide fresh water
- Monitor for delayed symptoms (coughing, lethargy)
- Keep indoors for rest of day
Best Cities for Dog Walking
Excellent Air Quality Year-Round
- Seattle, WA - Dog-friendly, clean air
- Portland, OR - Many parks, good air
- San Diego, CA - Coastal air quality
- Honolulu, HI - Consistent clean air
Good Most of Year
- Minneapolis, MN - Clean air, dog-friendly
- Burlington, VT - Mountain air
- Raleigh, NC - Generally good
Special Considerations
Puppies
- More vulnerable with developing lungs
- Keep indoor when AQI exceeds 100
- Focus on indoor training during poor air days
Active/Working Breeds
- Need more exercise than short potty breaks
- Increase indoor play and mental stimulation
- Schedule longer walks during best air quality windows
- Consider doggy daycare on poor air quality days
Multiple Dogs
- Different dogs may have different tolerance
- Walk separately if one dog at higher risk
- Monitor each dog individually for symptoms