A group of researchers examined how small and large dogs impact indoor air quality in apartments they share with their owners. The findings were reported by superinnovators.com.
Scientists measured airborne pollutants in a lab setting, including gases, solid particles, and microbes emitted by dogs. The control groups consisted of four small Chihuahuas and three large breeds—a Tibetan Mastiff, an English Mastiff, and a Newfoundland. These results were later compared to emissions from humans.
It turned out that large dogs released carbon dioxide and ammonia at levels comparable to their owners, but they produced more microbes and fungi than people. Meanwhile, small dogs generated a greater amount of fine particles.
“Quantifying the contribution of dogs to indoor air quality will help us create more realistic models of indoor air quality and exposure to harmful factors, as well as better develop ventilation strategies,” the publication quoted the study’s lead author, Dusan Licina.
In the future, scientists plan to analyze emissions from other pets, including cats, rabbits, and rodents.
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