Most people are well educated about the dangers of smoking. We know smoking involves health risks and that that these risks extend to nearby people who inhale secondhand smoke. But did you know that secondhand smoke can similarly affect your cat, dog, or bird?
What is secondhand smoke?
People who inhale the smoke of tobacco products take “firsthand” smoke into their lungs. Secondhand smoke is the smoke exhaled by the smoker, or the smoke produced by the burning end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe.
Why do we care about secondhand smoke?
Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals; about 80 of those are known to cause cancer. Simply breathing the air around an active smoker increases exposure to these dangerous compounds, affecting pet health as well as human health.
What are the effects of secondhand smoke?
In people, secondhand smoke has been associated with respiratory problems ranging from coughing and sneezing to asthma and shortness of breath. Respiratory infections, like bronchitis and pneumonia, are also more prevalent in people breathing tobacco-related toxins. Secondhand smoke is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease.
Dogs exposed to secondhand smoke have more eye infections, allergies, and respiratory issues, including lung cancer. Several studies have found probable links between secondhand smoke and the development of nasal and lung cancers in dogs. As well, studies have shown that dogs who live in the presence of secondhand smoke cough more.
Does secondhand smoke affect cats?
Cats that live in a smoky environment are at greater risk of developing asthma and lung cancer, which makes sense, because cats have short noses. Cats who inhale secondhand smoke also have a higher incidence of lymphoma. Cats exposed to smoke are about two times more likely to develop lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes that carries a poor prognosis for survival. That rate increases with the length of time a cat lives in a smoky household.
Cats also suffer health consequences of “third-hand smoke”, which is the residue that clings to furniture, rugs, and pet fur long after the air in the room is cleared. Cats that groom excessively can develop tumors in their mouths from licking off toxic particles that accumulate on their fur from smoke-filled air. These tidy felines expose the mucous membranes in their mouths to carcinogens that cause oral tumors.
Does secondhand smoke affect other pets?
Birds have respiratory systems that are extremely sensitive to airborne pollutants, making them very likely to develop respiratory problems (pneumonia) and lung cancer when exposed to secondhand smoke. These feathered pets also have a higher risk of skin, heart, eye, and fertility problems when housed in smoky environments.
What can I do to help my pet?
Some pet owners opt to take their smoke breaks outside and reduce their pets’ exposure to secondhand smoke. Others open windows and use special air filters in the house. These tactics help, but keep in mind that there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke. Even minimal exposure can negatively impact cats, dogs, and birds, so keep them away from areas where they could be exposed.
