With the introduction of chemical warfare in World War I, soldiers had to protect themselves and their animals in order to survive and fight. Horses, mules, dogs, and pigeons all required protection from the effects of chemical warfare. Each animal presented different challenges in protection. Horses breathe through their noses, not through their mouths, so the respirator must only cover their nostrils. Their eyes must be protected from the effects of lacrimators as well.
Pigeons are so small that separate respirators are only envisioned in cartoons.
Pigeon protection requires encasing the entire bird. Goats were used extensively to test chemical-agent effects. Therefore, a means to protect goats also was created. This article describes protection devices for horses, mules, dogs, pigeons, and goats. The horse gas mask of World War I consisted of a large bag that fit over the horse s nose and mouth.