Did you know that second-hand smoke is as dangerous to your pets as it is to humans? Even third-hand smoke is bad. Third-hand smoke, according to an article here by Dr. Karen Becker is best described as “what you smell when you get on an elevator after someone has returned from smoking outside, or what you smell in a hotel room where the previous occupant was a smoker.”
Dogs & Cats Are Subject to Different Kinds of Cancer
The Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine found a “strong correlation between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and oral cancer in cats.” The results of the study found that cats living with more than 1 smoker and exposed to ETS for 5 years or more are extremely likely to develop such cancer. Malignant lymphoma is another risk to cats subjected to second-hand smoke. The University of Massachusetts conducted a study that showed 3 of 4 cats died from lymphoma with a year of onset.
Dogs subjected to second-hand smoke are at risk for several types of cancer, as well as other lung diseases. The risk of cancer of the nasal passages increases by 250% in long-nosed dogs, such as German Shepherds, Weimaraners or Collies, that are exposed to ETS because the toxins from second-hand smoke stay in their noses longer. These affected dogs rarely live beyond a year after being diagnosed. Shorter nosed dogs show increases in lung cancer because the poisons secreted by cigarette smoke reach their lungs more quickly than in the long-nosed animals. In fact, in another study published by the “American Journal of Epidemiology,” dogs were found to have a 60% higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Animals’ exposure to the toxins of cigarette-smoking occurs in several ways:
- By ingestion of cigarette or cigar butts which contain toxins.
- By drinking water that contains cigar or cigarette butts (which can have high concentrations of nicotine).
- By breathing secondhand smoke.
- By ingestion of nicotine replacement gum and patches.
While cats are not as likely to ingest cigarette butts, dogs certainly will do so. Therefore, it makes sense to use extreme caution if you are going to smoke at all or if you take your pet outside where others may have dropped their smoking remains.
Cats groom themselves excessively and if a feline lives in a smoking home, it not only breathes in the second-hand smoke, it ingests particles that land in the fur as the carcinogens float in the air. Cats that live in smoking homes, show a 2-4 times increased risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
The ASPCA also lists second-hand smoke as a dangerous toxin to pets, as well as humans.
Protect Your Pet from Second and Third-Hand Smoke
If you or someone you love is going to continue to smoke, there are a few steps you can take to limit your pets’ exposure to second or third-hand smoke. The obvious one is to smoke only outside the house. Keep ashtrays in your home empty and clean. Better yet, get rid of all ashtrays so smokers are not tempted to light up inside. Wash your hands after smoking before handling your pets. Use an air purifier inside your house. Be vigilant about the location of all smoking supplies, both inside and outside your home and be sure your pet does not have access to them. Know that even with these efforts, your hair, your clothing and your breath will contain the toxins from the cigarette products you smoke and an animal that sits in your lap, chews or licks your hair or is in any way physically close to you will be subjected to second and third-hand smoke.
Best of all, do yourself and your pets a huge favor and find a way to stop smoking entirely. Fido and Fluffy will thank you!
I moved from a place where I saw few smoke back to an area where it almost seems every other person smokes. Went into a restaurant that is being newly opened after its predecessor closed, and the smoke smell was gagging. Wouldn’t take myself or, if it was allowed, my pet.
I don’t usually fuss about such things, but in this case, unless there is a total fumigation of the place, I will never visit the inside because the air is so foul.
It’s a shame because they are also opening up an area of arcade games, pool tables, etc., which will be especially nice for the younger crowd. Hope they can remove the smell.