New Delhi, Dec. 10 -- Delhi and Mumbai are deep into a polluted winter, and pets are breathing the same toxic air we are. Poor air quality harms pets slowly rather than dramatically, which means the safest approach is to plan the day around the air instead of sticking to routine out of habit.

Check the AQI before stepping out. If the pollution is high, shorten outdoor time and select the least polluted hour for walks. Treat outdoor trips as functional toilet breaks rather than recreation on bad days. Long play sessions should move indoors until conditions improve. For brachycephalics like pugs and Persians, senior pets, overweight pets, and pets recovering from illness, these adjustments are essential. Their respiratory system already wo...