There’s no denying that technology has become a huge part of our lives, but have you ever thought about how it might be affecting your pets? Electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation is everywhere, from the phone in your hand and the Wi-Fi router in your home to the power lines down the street. Research is still ongoing, but recent studies have raised concerns about the impact of EMFs on our pets. This has many of us pet owners asking: how can we protect our furry friends from the potential effects of EMFs?

EMFs are fields of energy produced by our electronic devices. We’re exposed to them throughout the day from our phones and tablets, Wi-Fi routers, smart appliances, and even the wiring in our homes and cars. Electromagnetic field radiation is broken into two main types:

• Ionizing radiation is the high-frequency radiation from X-rays. This has been proven harmful in large amounts, so people know to take precaution.

• Non-ionizing radiation is the low-frequency radiation emitted by our everyday electronics. We are exposed to this nearly all day, every day, but recent research suggests non-ionizing radiation could be negatively impacting our health.

A recent study looked at the potential health risks of  radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on pets. Research focused on exposure from tracking devices, household electronics that emit signals (like Wi-Fi routers), and environmental sources such as cell towers. While researchers determined overall RF-EMF exposure levels for pets were below the safety limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), they recommended reducing exposure. Especially in young or smaller pets whose bodies absorb more radiation, researchers advised pet owners to be cautious about exposure time and wireless device proximity for pets.

Recent animal studies suggest increased oxidative stress was caused by exposure to RF-EMF. Just like in humans, oxidative stress can disrupt normal cellular function in pets. Often generated by environmental stressors, oxidative stress contributes to increased ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, causing an imbalance that can lead to cell damage.

A case study was conducted to determine whether residential exposure to electromagnetic fields could increase the risk for canine lymphoma in pet dogs. This study found that dogs who lived in homes with higher EMF exposure had the highest risk with an odds ratio of 6.8, whereas dogs living in homes with lower exposure had an odds ratio of 1.5-1.9. This points to a potential link between EMF exposure and canine lymphoma, but more research is needed to further understand this connection.

Over the years, research has shown that EMFs can interfere with normal animal behavior. Previous studies have shown that EMFs can interfere with some animals’ natural navigation abilities, such as birds who rely on the Earth’s magnetic field to help with migration. Observations of tracking dogs revealed they were unable to track beneath high-voltage power lines. Animal studies have also shown EMF exposure led to anxiety symptoms in certain mammals.

Research focusing on health effects of EMF exposure on humans has ramped up in recent years, but we still know very little about how it affects other species. With so much still unknown, experts suggest taking a precautionary approach. Until we know for sure what the impact of EMF exposure is on our pets, we can take simple steps to reduce their exposure as well as our own.

Set up spaces in your home where your pets can relax without being bombarded by EMFs. Keep their beds away from Wi-Fi routers, smart meters, or any other devices that emit signals, such as voice assistants or smart appliances. Avoid charging devices near spots where your pet sleeps as well.

Simple changes in our tech habits can make a big difference when it comes to our pets’ overall EMF exposure. One easy change is to turn your Wi-Fi router off at night when it’s not in use. You can also use airplane mode on your phone when you don’t need to be reachable, and keep electronic devices away from your pets. 

For some added peace of mind, incorporate Aires’ proven, patented EMF solutions into your home. Designed to reshape EMFs into a less chaotic and more biologically-friendly form, Aires devices add a layer of protection to your home for you and your furry companions. 

EMFs are an unavoidable part of modern life, but we can still take steps to protect our pets from potential health impacts. While the research isn’t definitive, the potential risks are worth paying attention to. As EMF research continues to advance, scientists will hopefully take a deeper look into how this ever-present environmental stressor affects our pets. Until then, it’s up to us to reduce exposure and stay informed to make sure our pets stay happy and healthy!