High-rise Apartments and Air Pressure: Know How it Affects your pets.

There is not a great deal of direct evidence at this time regarding air pressure in high-rise apartments and the health of pets.While it is known that in humans, altitude causes a decrease in air pressure, which in turn affects health, there are limited studies that specifically show whether this effect applies to pets as well.　This article provides some tips on what to look out for when living in a high-rise apartment and advice on how to protect the health of your pets.

Barometric Pressure and Pet Health in High-rise Apartments

In high-rise condominiums, the air pressure is slightly lower than at ground level.How does this subtle change in air pressure affect the health of pets?The general understanding is that extreme changes in atmospheric pressure (e.g., at high altitudes, such as in mountainous regions) can have possible effects on animals.However, at the altitude of a high-rise apartment building (a few hundred meters at most), the atmospheric pressure difference is so minute compared to ground level that direct health effects are likely to be limited.

Creating a Comfortable Environment in a High-rise Apartment Building

It is also important for pets to have a good living environment.First, a comfortable room temperature and humidity must be maintained.Especially on upper floors, there are no buildings around to block the air conditioning, and depending on the direction of the room (i.e., sunlight), the air conditioning may not work well.Therefore, it is important to create a comfortable environment by using air conditioners and humidifiers.Depending on the breed of dog or cat, a room temperature of 25-28 degrees Celsius and a humidity level of 50% is recommended.Excessive humidification can cause mold to grow in the room.It is also helpful to provide space for your pets to be active and to maintain their health.Even if a large living space is not available, use a cat tower or pet toys to prevent lack of exercise.

Stress Management for Pets

In high-rise condominiums, there is less ambient sound outside due to the high level of secrecy, and dogs and cats kept as pets may feel lonely because it is difficult to see what is going on outside while they are away from home.Especially on the upper floors of high-rise apartments, you will not hear birds chirping or insects flying in.Sometimes, the upper floors of high-rise apartments are not equipped with screen doors because there is no need to worry about insects.To prevent this, it is recommended to play music or environmental videos (such as images of birds flying) while you are away and to provide plenty of playthings.There are toys that, when rolled, produce food or treats. If you prepare 5-6 of these toys while the owner is away and give them each with a small amount of treats, you can use the time to feed them without overeating.Also, regular play and rest time will help keep your pet’s body and mind balanced.

Choosing a Pet Friendly Condo

Finally, if you are considering a new high-rise condominium, including foreign pet owners, it is also important to choose a property with pet-friendly amenities and services.Condominiums with well-maintained pet washing areas and walking trails make life more comfortable for both owners and their pets.Pet-friendly common areas also allow for interaction with other pets, which helps improve socialization.

Summary

It is possible that the unique environment of high-rise condominiums (e.g., restrictions on ventilation due to open/closed windows, differences in noise, isolation, etc.) may indirectly affect the behavior and stress of pets.There may be cases where symptoms observed in pets reacting to these environmental factors are confused and perceived as “air pressure” or other factors by the owners. For this reason, it is actually important to maintain your pet’s overall living environment, not just the air pressure.If you are concerned, consult your veterinarian for advice on how to care for your pet.

_____________

Located in Tsukishima, Tokyo, near Ginza and surrounded by high-rise apartments, we aim to be a foreigner-friendly animal hospital.We will continue to make various efforts to become a place where foreign pet owners can feel free to consult with us about any small issue.

Our WEB site    http://www.anima-ah.com/