Podcast spotlights pepper spray and tear gas risks for pets

Veterinary Viewfinder is drawing attention to what host Dr. Ernie Ward called a “surprising and underreported issue”: pets in U.S. cities being incidentally exposed to pepper spray and tear gas. In a November 5, 2025 episode, Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, spoke with Chicago-based journalist and certified animal behavior consultant Steve Dale about cases he has witnessed and the need for better public awareness and veterinary preparedness. The discussion lands against a broader backdrop in which pepper-based deterrent sprays are legally sold and labeled for use against attacking dogs, even as product labels warn they can cause moderate eye and skin irritation and require immediate flushing after exposure. (drernieward.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary teams, the issue is less about a single incident and more about readiness for a type of chemical exposure that may be overlooked in triage. EPA-approved dog-deterrent labels instruct users to spray a dog’s eyes, nose, and mouth, and first-aid directions call for rinsing exposed skin or eyes with water for 15 to 20 minutes. Prehospital veterinary guidance also lists deterrent sprays such as CS gas, tear gas, mace, and pepper spray among exposures where animals should be moved to fresh air. That means clinics, ERs, shelters, and field responders may need protocols for decontamination, staff PPE, and respiratory-risk assessment, especially for brachycephalic patients or animals arriving from crowd-control settings. (www3.epa.gov)

What to watch: Watch for whether this podcast conversation leads to more formal clinical guidance, shelter protocols, or public-health messaging around chemical-agent exposure in companion animals. (drernieward.com)