Contributed by Angie Lewis, Alaska Animal Advocates
We have all heard about the negative effects regarding secondhand smoke and humans. Secondhand smoke is even more dangerous for our pets. Pets spend more time in our homes than we do and are therefore at greater risk than we are. Environmental smoke causes respiratory disease, allergies, cancer, eye and skin disease, pneumonia and heart issues. This smoke comes from the burning cigarette and from smoke that has been exhaled by the smoker.
Cats are known for their frequent grooming, which causes problems when the carcinogens in the smoke settles on their fur and is then ingested. This exposes the membranes in the cat’s mouth and can cause oral cancer. Another thing to keep in mind, is that cats groom other cats as well as themselves, so this allows for even more exposure. Studies have shown that cats who live in smoking households actually have nicotine and other toxins in their urine. These cats often die from carcinoma.
Dogs who live in households where smoking occurs fare a bit better than cats, because they go outside and get bathed more often. However, they too suffer from lung cancer and develop allergies more often. These poor critters do not have a long-life expectancy. This is even more common for long-nosed dogs, as they have a larger surface area in their noses. Short-nosed dogs have the problem of having carcinogens traveling to their lungs at a higher rate.
Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and therefore easily develop pneumonia, as well as lung cancer. Birds who sit on the hands of smoking family members often causes the bird to cough, wheeze and pull out their own feathers.
A new phenomenon, third-hand smoke, is the toxic mixtures of gases and particles that adhere to furniture, clothing and carpeting. So, even if you smoke outside, your pets will still suffer negative health consequences.
There are some things you can do to protect your pets. The most obvious is to stop smoking. While quitting, try to smoke outside; get an air purifier; wash your hands and hair frequently, particularly after smoking; change your clothing after smoking; brush and bathe your pets frequently; keep your ashtrays clean; and, dispose of nicotine products. Bring your pets for veterinary exams frequently.
Quitting smoking is challenging, but very much worth the effort. If you are not willing to stop for your own health, please stop for your pet’s health. There are many strategies and medications to assist you on this venture.
