Does air pollution affect our canine companions? You bet it does! There have been numerous studies done on the effects of air pollution on humans, and much of the findings can be related to canines as well. The creator of the K9 Mask Air Pollution Mask decided to do something about this growing problem.
I was intrigued by the idea behind this product, but I didn't realize how important the K9 Dog Mask really is. After deciding to do this product review, I began some heavy research on the impact of air pollution on pets. What I found was astounding!
I live in Maine, and we don't have an air pollution problem. I know there are many places in the world that do. Likewise, a lot of working dogs are subjected to air pollution as a job hazard. For example, search and rescue dogs may be exposed to smoke and/or debris in the air when looking for survivors of a building collapse.
K9 Mask Air Pollution Mask for Dogs Review
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
“In 2016, 91% of the world population was living in places where the WHO air quality guidelines levels were not met, and ambient (outdoor) air pollution in both cities and rural areas was estimated to cause 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide.”
One recent study done by the Instituto Nacional de Pediatría examined the brains of dogs that had been exposed to the heavy pollution in Mexico City and compared them to the brains of dogs living in less polluted regions. The research study states that:
“The Mexico City dogs' brains showed increased inflammation and pathology including amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, clumps of proteins that serve as a primary marker for Alzheimer's disease in humans.”
The K9 Mask claims to be the first air pollution mask for dogs. It's certainly one of the only products of its kind on the market. Through the research that I've done online, it also seems to be the highest quality air pollution mask for canines available.
This is a n95 pm2.5 mask. That means that it blocks 95% of particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or less. Particles of this size are about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair.
In the photo above you can see the zipper across the top of the muzzle. Inside that zipper is an activated carbon filter. The carbon filter protects against smoke, smog, mold, emissions, toxins, allergens, bacteria, chemicals, etc…
You can see how easy it is to change the carbon filter in my video review at the top of this article. The mask itself (without the filter) is washable for easy cleaning. You can also buy replacement filters ($25 for a 5-pack) to keep your pooch breathing easy. The company recommends using a filter for 4 hours before replacing it.
My Labrador, Saddie, doesn't mind wearing the K9 Mask at all. It's made of a soft material, and the strap Velcros around the back of her head to keep it from sliding around on her snout. As I demonstrate in my video review, it's extremely easy to put the mask on and take it off.
The mask is available in sizes Small to Extra Large. The measuring guidelines are:
- Small – muzzle length of 4.0-7.0 cm (1.6-2.8 in) and muzzle circumference of 11.5-16.5 cm (4.5-6.5 in)
- Medium – muzzle length of 7-11cm (2.8-4.3 in) and muzzle circumference of 17.5-23.0 cm (7.0-9.0 in)
- Large – muzzle length of 9.5-12cm (3.7-4.7 in) and muzzle circumference of 23.0-33.0 cm (9.0-13.0 in)
- Extra Large – muzzle length of 11.5-15.0 cm (4.5-5.9 in) and muzzle circumference of 33.0-45.0 cm (13.0-17.5 in)
This product would make a great addition to any first aid kit. You never know when you're going to be involved in an emergency. This mask could protect your pet while on the scene of a building fire or car accident. If you live in an area where wild fires are common, this mask could be a life saver for your canine companion.
You can purchase this air pollution mask for dogs on Amazon for $55. I expected it to be much more expensive. This product could save a dog's life or at the very least add years to it. It's affordable on virtually every budget, and I would definitely recommend it as an addition to any doggy first aid kit.
READ NEXT: Preparing Your Dog For An Emergency
