Persistent dust storms pose risks to you and your pet’s health
Our dust bowl of a valley is no stranger to sand storms.
From gritty winds at this year’s Stagecoach music festival, to last month’s destructive haboob, the winds continue to blast our valley.
“You can feel it in your nose and your throat, it’s very dusty here,” said Robin Trauscht, who is in town from Phoenix, AZ.
Those tiny particles swirling around spark some major health concerns. The particulate matter can contain toxins, asthma triggers, and even infectious diseases.
Scientists say the dust storms may also be contributing to more cases of valley fever, which causes flu-like symptoms and can also lead to pneumonia.
“Valley fever is a big concern, when it’s dusty and windy like this you really need to stay inside,” Trauscht said.
The dust particles kicked up range in size, and if small enough they can slip past your body’s natural defenses and harm the lungs and heart. Children, senior citizens and pets are at the greatest risk.
“You can definitely tell there’s sand in the air because my dogs eyes are totally tearing.” Trauscht said.
Officials from Animal Samaritans Rescue Shelter say the dusty gusts can also kick up an outbreak of Parvo, a life-threatening dog virus. So it’s important to protect your puppies.
“Anything under a year, even if they’re fully vaccinated, we always recommend you keep them indoors when dust gets kicked up like this in the desert,” said Michelle Bergeron, a supervisor at Animal Samaritans.
