Cigarette Smoke and Pets



We often hear about the dangers of smoking and what it can do to the human body. But, what about the damage it can do to a pet’s health? Secondhand smoke is that which is exhaled from smokers and thirdhand smoke is the smoke residue that gets on the skin.

Like humans, animals can acquire lung damage and types of cancer associated with cigarette smoke. Pets who already have asthma, bronchitis, or other allergy-related lung disorders may have even more difficulties when exposed to smoke. One study at the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine found that secondhand cigarette smoke doubled the risk of lymphoma in cats.[1] A dry, hacking cough that gets progressively worse can be a sign of a pet’s exposure to cigarette smoke.

In addition, your pet may get a cigarette butt from the trash, ash tray, ground, etc. Tobacco consumption can be very serious for your pet and can cause drooling, trembling, vomiting, and diarrhea. High doses of nicotine can cause behavior changes, seizures, and even death in pets.

Birds are very sensitive to tobacco smoke. They often develop changes to the respiratory system similar to children exposed to secondhand smoke.[2] Like cats, birds will groom or “preen” themselves. In doing this, they ingest thirdhand smoke particles coating their feathers.

The best way to protect the health of both you and your pet is to kick the habit of smoking. Other tips include smoking outside or away from your pet, washing your hands immediately after smoking, and using an air purifier in the home.

[1] Bertone E, Snyder L, Moore A. Environmental tobacco smoke and risk of malignant lymphoma in pet cats. American Journal of Epidemiology. 2002; 156 (3): 268-273.

[2] “Secondhand Smoke Is a Health Threat to Pets”, September 3, 2007. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070831123420.htm.

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