safety
How Minnesota's poor air quality can affect your health, pets
By Nick Longworth at FOX 9 KMSP (FOX)
· July 16, 2026
· 1 min read
As hazardous air quality alerts continue due to wildfires and extreme heat, experts are sharing how it could affect your health, and how to protect both yourself and your pets from smoke and pollution.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
Minneapolis residents, already accustomed to monitoring extreme weather conditions, must now contend with the added threat of poor air quality. The hazardous air quality alerts issued due to wildfires and extreme heat pose a significant concern for the health and wellbeing of the community, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children. As locals take steps to protect themselves from smoke and pollution, they must also consider the potential impact on their pets, who may be more susceptible to respiratory issues in these conditions. The city's proximity to numerous parks and outdoor recreational areas, normally a benefit, now increases the risk of exposure to poor air quality, making it crucial for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to minimize their exposure. By doing so, Minneapolis residents can help mitigate the negative effects of poor air quality on both human and animal health.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As hazardous air quality alerts continue due to wildfires and extreme heat, experts are sharing how it could affect your health, and how to protect both yourself and your pets from smoke and pollution.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Nick Longworth at FOX 9 KMSP (FOX). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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