GAS PROTECTION FOR ANIMALS
Unfortunately many animals were used during WW1 and horses, mules, dogs and pigeons were vulnerable to poison gases so that special protection was necessary for them. Horses were equipped with gas masks over their muzzles and were protected from inhalation of poison gases such as phosgene. Equine eyes were not affected by lachrymatory agents so that their masks consisted only of specially made nose bags but, unfortunately, these animal's eyes were vulnerable to the effects of chlorine and vesicatory gases. (The following series of photos are published by kind permission of Kip A. Lindberg, Curator of Collections, U.S. Army Chemical Corps Museum)
This photo shows the experimental use of equine goggles but, unfortunately, they were not used routinely by the Allies - possibly because they tended to fog up.
Mule, not equipped with goggles, whose eyes were affected by an irritant gas
French Cavalry with riders and horses wearing gas masks
US Caisson drawn by horses wearing masks
German Messenger dog wearing canine gas mask
German Gas Protected Pigeon Loft
German Captured Gasproof Portable Pigeon Container
Demonstration of captured German Pigeon travelling cage in use
