Humidifiers are generally associated with improving human health. But the great news is humidifiers can also enhance the comfort and health of your furry friends.
If you’re a dog parent, you likely want to keep your pup comfortable and healthy. One way to improve their living environment is by using a humidifier.
Dogs and humidifiers can be great companions because humidity can help reduce stress and promote good health in your four-legged family member. Understanding how humidity affects dogs can help ensure your pup is as comfy as possible.
Dogs can suffer from dry skin, coats, and eyes. Respiratory issues, allergies, and infections. A humidifier in your home can reduce these problems and increase your pet’s well-being, comfort, and happiness.
In this article, we will explore dogs and humidifiers, looking at the
benefits, recommended types, and how to use them safely and effectively.
Understanding dogs and humidity in the air
As dog parents, we all want our furry friends to be happy and healthy. But did you know humidity significantly affects your dog’s well-being?
First things first, what is humidity? The amount of moisture in the air. When it’s hot outside, the air can hold more water and feel humid. The atmosphere can’t hold as much moisture when it’s cold and feels dry.
How do I know my home’s humidity?
You can get the answer by purchasing a small device called a hygrometer. It displays the humidity percentage on a small screen once you place it in a room. Look for one at the hardware store or garden center or add it to your Amazon order.
The ideal humidity levels for dogs are between 30% to 50%. As it turns out – the same indoor humidity for us, according to the EPA.
So why does humidity matter for dogs?
Humidity plays a vital role in your dog’s health. Dry air can lead to respiratory problems, dry skin and coat, and even nosebleeds.
Dogs with allergies or asthma may also benefit from increased humidity levels. A humidifier can provide much-needed moisture to alleviate these issues.
High humidity levels can also be problematic for dogs, making it harder to regulate their body temperature.
Dogs are affected by both extremes, low and high humidity levels.
Low humidity
The air is dry when humidity is low. This can lead to dry skin, dry eyes, dry coat, allergies, and respiratory problems in dogs.
Different breeds of dogs can have varying levels of susceptibility to low humidity. Depending on their coat type, respiratory, and health.
This is where a humidifier can help! Increasing humidity can help alleviate your dog’s symptoms of low humidity.
Whether you have central heating that dries out the air during colder months or live in a dry climate, a humidifier could be just what your pup needs. It will help prevent health issues and make them feel more comfortable overall.
Your local pet store or veterinarian can be a valuable resource since they would know the climate and how low humidity affects the dogs in your area.
High humidity
In hot weather, dogs regulate their body temperature by panting and sweating. Panting evaporates moisture from their lungs, which takes heat away from their body.
When humidity is too high, dogs cannot cool themselves, and this can cause their body temperature to rise to dangerous levels.
High humidity can also lead to increased dust mites to which some pets are allergic.
Daycare facilities, boarding kennels, or grooming facilities with poor airflow and high humidity. These conditions can create kennel cough, which can be dangerous if not treated.
Breeds at Risk
Did you know that low humidity can pose a risk to certain dog breeds?
Short-nosed dogs are particularly susceptible to respiratory issues when the air is too dry.
Similarly, long-haired breeds like the Shih Tzu can suffer from skin irritation and itching in low-humidity environments.
Below is a list of some breeds that do not do well with low humidity and would benefit from some increased moisture in the air:
- Bulldogs
- French bulldogs
- Pug
- Boston Terrier
- Affenpinscher
- Boxer
- Brussels Griffon
- Bullmastiff
- Cane Corso
- Chow Chow
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- English Toy Spaniel
- Japanese Chin
- Lhasa Apso
- Pekingese
- Shih Tzu
Researching the humidity needs of your breed of dog will help you understand what they need to be comfortable.
Keep in mind, usually, we can adapt to humidity changes easier than our pets. Monitor for any signs your dog may need a humidifier.
Benefits of using a humidifier for dogs
Are you a dog owner looking for ways to improve your furry friend’s health and happiness? Consider investing in a humidifier!
Improved respiratory health
Dry air causes nasal passages to become inflamed. This can lead to sneezing and the formation of scabs and sores inside their noses. Moist air helps these symptoms by softening the mucus and allowing it to flow better.
Soothes dry skin
Dry air has no moisture, and like us, a dog’s skin can become dry, flaky, and irritated. Dogs scratch dry skin, causing hair loss and bleeding that can lead to infections. A humidifier will help to soothe and moisturize dry skin.
Soothes dry coats
A dog’s coat is like our hair. It becomes brittle, limp, flaky, and dull in dry conditions. While a dry coat could indicate a dietary problem, low humidity can also contribute. A humidifier increases moisture and helps the fur to become supple, soft, smooth, and shiny.
Reduces the risk of infections
Many microorganisms, bacteria, and viruses thrive, float, and spread in dry air.
These organisms can cause runny noses, sneezing, red eyes, coughs, and breathing problems. Keeping the air moist will reduce the risk of infection and provide a safer environment for your pet.
Allergy Relief
Like humans, dogs can also suffer from dry air in the home during winter or in areas with low humidity. This causes irritation to their nasal passages and makes them more susceptible to allergens such as dust mites and pollen.
The constant scratching, rubbing, and sneezing can make them uncomfortable and restless. Using a humidifier in your dog’s living space can increase the humidity level in the air, which will help soothe irritated nasal passages.
Relieves snoring
Like humans, dogs will snore if they have a cold, blocked sinus passages, congested airways, or other obstructions in the nasal passages.
Loud, persistent snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea. A humidifier helps to keep the nasal passages moist, reducing snoring. A better night’s sleep for all.
This is a comprehensive article from Dutchtown Animal Hospital for more info on dog snoring issues.
Relocating from a humid to a dry climate
Your dog may need time to adjust to a humidity change. Especially if there is a temperature change too.
A humidifier can help your dog to adjust with less stress. Or if you have a fragile dog. Plan your move in spring or fall when the humidity and temperature changes may be less extreme.
Dry Air
If you use heating at night, live in a dry climate, and notice your dog is drinking more water at night, it could be a sign your pup is dehydrated.
A humidifier may help with nighttime hydration. Avoiding high-sodium treats at night can also be beneficial. This is also helpful for humans to take note of!
Creates a more relaxed environment for your pet
Your dog will feel happier and less stressed in conditions that enhance their comfort and well-being.
Choosing the Right Humidifier for Your Dog
Humidifiers for dogs are a great way to relieve and comfort your furry friend. They provide the perfect balance of air moisture, helping protect your pup from dry skin and other respiratory ailments.
With adjustable settings, you can customize the level of humidity desired for your pet’s needs.
Humidifiers also help reduce static electricity in the room and keep dust particles at bay, making breathing easier for your dog.
You can ensure that your pet is comfortable and healthy all year round.
Humidifiers come in different types, the most popular being cool mist, warm mist, and ultrasonic. Some pros and cons of each humidifier type as they relate to dogs.
Cool mist humidifiers – preferred
| Pros – COOL Mist Humidifier | Cons – COOL Mist Humidifier |
|---|---|
| Safer because they use cold water | More frequent cleaning to prevent mold and bacteria growth |
| Reduced risk of burning if knocked over | May require regular filter replacement |
| Quieter than warm mist humidifiers | |
| More energy-efficient than warm mist |
Warm mist humidifiers – least preferred due to warm vapor
| Pros – WARM Mist Humidifier | Cons – WARM Mist Humidifier |
|---|---|
| Higher humidity, quicker | Heated water and elements can be a safety hazard |
| Less likely to produce white mineral dust | Higher energy use |
| May need more frequent cleaning | |
| Can be louder than cool mist humidifiers |
Ultrasonic humidifiers – cool-mist
| Pros – ULTRASONIC Humidifier | Cons – ULTRASONIC Humidifier |
|---|---|
| Generally quieter than cool or warm mist | Some dogs can be sensitive to ultrasonic sound |
| Large tank capacity | Can produce white mineral dust if used with hard water |
| No filters are required | More frequent cleaning to prevent mold and bacteria growth |
| Energy-efficient |
Ultrasonic humidifiers have a visible mist that animals can be curious about. Make sure to put your humidifier out of direct sight if you think your dog may become obsessed with it.
If your dog likes running around like a mad thing, I don’t know about you, but I would prefer not to use an appliance with heated water to be safe.
Choosing the right humidifier for pets is essential. The room size, noise level, and maintenance requirements also play a part in your choice of humidifier. Our Humidifier Buyers Guide covers these requirements in more detail.
Taking the time to make the right decision will benefit you and your pets in the long run.
Using a Humidifier for Your Dog
Placement
- Ensure that your humidifier cannot be knocked over.
- Place the humidifier on a desk or bench facing the middle of the room for best results.
- Position away from air vents, open windows, or doors.
- If your pup likes to play with new things, ensure the humidifier is out of their reach, or supervise when it is on.
Monitor Humidity Levels
- Leave a hygrometer in the room, near where your pup is most often.
- Check the humidity level often to ensure the moisture in the air is most effective.
Smart humidifiers require less intervention as they regulate themselves with an integrated hygrometer and can be set to maintain the necessary humidity level.
Self-regulating (Smart) humidifiers should automatically turn on and off once the set humidity has been reached.
Initially, I check until I’m sure the room is the humidity needed. Since the inbuilt hygrometer is integrated into the machine and reads the moisture there instead of further into the room.
The humidifier reading may not be the same as your standalone hygrometer reading.
Cleaning and Maintaining
Check the manufacturer manual online to ensure the maintenance is easy to keep up with.
Using distilled water will reduce the occurrence of white dust.
If your humidifier has a filter, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on when to replace it.
To prevent the growth of mold. Read our step-by-step guide to removing mold from a humidifier.
Humidifier maintenance is essential to ensure the safety of the air in your home.
Precautions
For the safety of your pet, there are some things to keep in mind:
Make sure that the noise levels are not disturbing. Some dogs may be sensitive to the frequency of an ultrasonic humidifier.
Dogs prefer a comfort level of 60 to 80 decibels. A typical conversation sits around 60 dB.
Generally, humidifiers range from 20 to 45 decibels. Try to choose a humidifier with a lower noise level.
When introducing a humidifier to your dog for the first time. Make sure you watch if your dog shows any signs of distress.
Choose a device with a safety shut-off feature for low water levels so it doesn’t cause a fire hazard if there is no water in the tank.
A humidifier with a longer runtime and a larger tank will be helpful if you need to use it for long periods, for instance, if you keep it on all day while at work.
Ensure not to use essential oils, including Vicks, as they can be toxic for pets. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has more information about The Essentials of Essential Oils Around Pets.
Consult your veterinarian before changing your pet’s healthcare regimen, including using a humidifier. Especially if they are sensitive, elderly, or have ill health.
Humidifiers can make you and your dog happy!
Establishing correct humidity levels will make your dog happier and healthier.
Pets that suffer certain conditions can be less tolerant of heat and humidity. As with anything new you introduce, check your puppy for any changes in attitude or behavior, both positive and negative.
If in doubt, I’d recommend chatting with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s healthcare regimen, including using a humidifier.
Below are some veterinary websites that talk more about humidifiers for dogs.
American Kennel Club (AKC): The AKC is a well-known organization providing dog owners with information and resources. An article on their website titled Brachycephalic Dog Breeds: A Guide to Flat-Faced Dogs discusses this group of dogs particularly susceptible to low humidity.
PetMD: a website that provides information and resources for pet owners. In an article titled “Caring for Your Pet’s Skin During the Winter Season,” they discuss using
