Here's how you can keep your pets safe from the smoke covering North Jersey

Canada's wildfires have engulfed New Jersey skies, forcing residents to stay inside and sending nearly every county into the red "unhealthy" zone. Just as humans can experience irritation and health problems from this smoke, pets are vulnerable to breathing in toxic fumes that could lead to serious illnesses.

There are steps pet parents can take to keep their furry companions safe.

Dr. Silas Ashmore from Denville Animal Hospital had not seen any animals come in for smoke inhalation but still worried pets with predisposed conditions could face adverse effects. Ailments like bronchitis, COPD and feline asthma can be triggered by exposure to unhealthy air and lead to even worse problems.

"If they got enough in their lungs, you could see pulmonary edema and that would be acute phases," Ashmore said. "You certainly hope you don't see anything like that ... but it's so unpredictable because we don't really deal with it that often."

Ashmore is a veterinarian of 27 years and said it is his first time as a professional going through problems like the wildfire smoke. The hospital saw older pets come in Tuesday with breathing problems that the owners feared were caused by smoke inhalation. While their symptoms were caused by other health issues, the pollutant-laced air can negatively impact pets who are left outside for extended periods, according to Ashmore.

Animals that are especially vulnerable to toxic air are brachycephalic dogs with short heads and flat faces because they already have respiratory problems. Overweight pets should also be kept inside away from open windows. Ashmore is concerned about animals with heart issues who can get flare-ups or onset problems.

"We're definitely telling everybody to keep the windows closed and keep the pets inside as much as you can," Ashmore said.

As with people, staying inside a ventilated area is essential to keeping pets safe from breathing in smoke. Ashmore recommends taking shorter walks and only letting your cat or dog out for the bathroom. If pets experience respiratory issues, it is best to check them at the nearest animal hospital.