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Somerset Veterinary Hospital

1322 Berlin Plank Rd.

Somerset, PA 15501 US

814-443-1323

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  • Secondhand Smoke Affects Pets Too

Secondhand Smoke Affects Pets Too

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Pet Dangers
image of curious dog and cat looking ahead

The effects of secondhand smoke on people are well-documented. Exposure to tobacco smoke causes a variety of serious health problems, including stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Not surprisingly, secondhand smoke also increases the risk of health problems for your pet.

Dogs That Live with Smokers Are at Increased Risk of Nasal and Lung Cancers

Breathing in tobacco smoke can increase the chance that your dog will develop lung or nasal cancers. Nasal cancer is more common in long-nosed dogs, including collies, greyhounds, Afghan hounds, dachshunds, and borzois. Because more carcinogens can accumulate in their long noses, fewer carcinogens reach their lungs. In contrast, shorter-nosed dogs that live with smokers are more likely to develop lung cancer because their noses do not filter the carcinogens as effectively.

Unfortunately, the long-term survival rate for nasal cancer is low. Dogs that receive radiation treatment, the recommended treatment for nasal cancer, usually live an average eight to 19 months, according to the National Canine Cancer Foundation.

Exposure to smoke also increases the risk that your dog will develop asthma, bronchitis, or other respiratory problems.

Breathing in Carcinogens Isn't the Only Problem

If you have ever been in the home of a long-time smoker, you may have noticed that the walls were coated with a yellow, sticky residue from the tobacco smoke. Unfortunately, carcinogens do not just coat the walls, but also fall on your pets' fur. Since cats clean their fur by licking it, they are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma in their mouths. The risk of developing the cancer increases if cats have lived in the environment for five years or longer. Cats exposed to secondhand smoke are also 2 1/2 times more likely to develop malignant lymphoma than cats that live in smoke-free homes.

Secondhand Smoke and Birds Don't Mix

Dogs and cats aren't the only pets that experience health problems when they live with tobacco smoke. Birds are particularly sensitive to smoke, chemicals, and other pollutants. When they are exposed to secondhand smoke, they are more likely to develop pneumonia, lung cancer, heart problems, skin and eye irritation, coughing, and sinusitis.

Smoke Isn't the Only Problem

Your cat is unlikely to think an ashtray full of cigarette butts looks tasty, but your dog might decide that they make a good snack. Eating butts can lead to nicotine poisoning, a condition that can cause death if your pet ingests enough nicotine.

Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include:

  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Tremors
  • Abnormal heart rate
  • Weakness
  • Incoordination
  • Drooling

Your pet can also develop nicotine poisoning if it drinks water that contains cigarette or cigar butts, or eats nicotine gum or patches.

Preventing Exposure

The best way to prevent these serious health problems is to quit smoking and maintain a smoke-free environment for your pet. Although confining smoking to an outdoor area can help, your pet will be still be exposed to nicotine and carcinogens on your clothing, hair, and body. Vaping is touted as a better solution to smoking, but the e-cigarettes still produce chemicals that can be toxic.

3 Ways to Keep Pets Healthy

Want to keep your pets healthy? Follow these three important tips:

Monitor Your Pet's Weight

Obesity is just as dangerous for pets as it is for people. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 52.7 percent of dogs and 57.9 percent of cats are overweight or obese. Obesity can cause a variety of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, respiratory disease, kidney disease, and cancer. Make sure you do not overfeed your pet, and consult your veterinarian if you notice that your furry friend is packing on the pounds.

Encourage Exercise

Exercise is an excellent way to maintain your pet's heart and respiratory health, and keep bones and muscles strong. Give your dog plenty of opportunity to run and play outdoors. Daily walks or runs and vigorous session of fetch will help ensure that your pooch gets enough exercise. Encourage your indoor cat to be active by enticing him or her with a kitty fishing rod or operating a remote-controlled mouse. Some cats even enjoy outdoor walks on harnesses.

Do Not Skip Yearly Veterinary Visits

During your pet's yearly exam, his or her veterinarian can diagnose health problems, such as diabetes or skin conditions, and prescribe treatments to prevent the problem from worsening. He or she can also provide advice on maintaining a healthy weight and keeping older animals healthy and comfortable.

We are here to help your pet stay strong and healthy. Give us a call if it's time for your pet's annual exam, or if you are concerned about a possible health problem.

Sources:

Science Daily: Secondhand Smoke is a Threat to Pets, 09/03/07

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070831123420.htm

PetMD: Risks of Second Hand Smoke for Dogs and Cats, 06/23/14

http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/dr-coates/2014/june/risks-second-hand-smoke-dogs-and-cats-31821

American Journal of Epidemiology: Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Risk of Malignant Lymphoma in Pet Cats, 04/17/02

http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/156/3/268.full

Association for Pet Obesity Prevention: 2014 Obesity Facts and Risks

American Journal of Veterinary Research: Urinary Biomarkers to Assess Exposure of Cats to Environmental Tobacco Smoke, 04/07

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17397288

Healthy Pets: How Cigarettes and Smoking Impact Your Pet’s Health, 09/17/09

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2009/09/17/how-cigarettes-and-smoking-impact-your-pets-health.aspx

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Health Effects of Secondhand Smoke, 02/17/16

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2009/09/17/how-cigarettes-and-smoking-impact-your-pets-health.aspx

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "The staff at Somerset Vet Hospital have been taking care of my "Sophie" for 11 years. They are such caring and wonderful people."
    Karen L.
  • "Thanks for providing great care for my little Tortie, Tallie when she was suffering from her skin allergies. You prompt care and tender kindness was wonderful. Being new to the area I feel very fortunate to have found your practice! Thanks!"
    Nancy
  • ""Doctor Robert Henry, We want to thank you for literally - SAVING OUR BEAUTIFUL DOBERMAN'S (Precious) LIFE. Your excellent diagnostic skills accurately diagnosed our Doberman's condition. Your protocol in treating him have made for a healthy, happy, loving and playful dog. We can never forget what you did for our dog. We cannot thank you enough"
    Kathy & Roger
  • "I came here 6 years ago when they were the only ones who would see my sick pup, and they were the best! They helped my girl get better and provided her years of loving service until we lost her to lymphoma last year. They still take care of my other babies and do an excellent job of doing so! We're patients for LIFE! Thank you guys for ALL you do :) With Love, Gina & The Crew Mountain Pride Pits."
    Gina
  • "I just wanted to take a minute to say how very grateful I am for the entire team at Somerset Veterinary Hospital. I recently had a cat and two kittens spayed/neutered, and they all came through the procedure wonderfully. Dr. Penny is THE BEST!! The vet-techs and front desk girls are always super nice and helpful. I feel good knowing that my 'family' is in good hands when being treated. Thank you all for all you do!!"
    Thomas B.

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