Toxins in second-hand smoke increase risk of cancer and breathing problems for pets
Passive smoking can be even more harmful to animals than humans, experts claim
SMOKERS are putting their family pets at increased risk of deadly asthma attacks and cancer, vets have warned.
The toxins in second-hand smoke have long been known to cause fatal lung and heart diseases in humans.
But experts at the University of Glasgow and pet charity PDSA say passive smoking is even more harmful to animals.
They are now calling on owners to quit their habit.
Research suggests the cancer-causing chemicals contained in cigarettes affect different animals in different ways.
The grooming habits of cats mean they lick the fumes that stick to their fur, increasing their risk of mouth cancers.
Dogs are prone to breathing problems and difficult-to-treat nasal and sinus cancers.
And the sensitive respiratory systems of birds, rabbits and guinea pigs are easily damaged, it is claimed.
PDSA vet Olivia Anderson-Nathan said: “Many pet owners are unaware of the risks that smoking can have on their pets’ health. If they knew, I’m sure they would want to protect them.
“Our vets and nurses regularly see the devastating impact smoking can have on pets.
“Problems range from issues like asthma and chronic coughing through to fatal conditions. Cancers such as lymphoma, for example, are twice as likely in cats exposed to cigarette smoke.”
She added: “Studies highlight that this is a really serious issue, and we want pet owners to know that they can make a real difference by simply choosing to smoke outdoors away from their pets.
“If they smoke, their pets smoke, too.”
Professor Clare Knottenbelt, from the University of Glasgow, said previously: “Exposure to smoke in the home is having a direct impact on pets.
“It risks ongoing cell damage, increasing weight gain after castration and has previously been shown to increase the risk of certain cancers.”
Pet owner Jackie Fox, whose cat Alvin developed asthma, says his health has improved after she stopped smoking inside.
Jackie, 39, from Glasgow, has owned Alvin and his brother Theo since they were eight-weeks-old and plans to quit smoking altogether.
She said: “I noticed that he was really wheezy when breathing so I took him to PDSA and they told me my smoking could be affecting him.
“He’s my baby so I was horrified to think that my smoking could be harming his health.
“I used to smoke in the same room as him but now I go outside and it’s incredible that after just a few weeks he already seems a lot better.
“The plan is to quit smoking now for my own health as well as Alvin’s.
“I’ve smoked for over 20 years but I’m determined to stop to help my pets.
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“I would urge other pet owners who smoke to consider giving up or at least going outside to reduce the exposure to the cigarette fumes.”
The PDSA has also warned about the dangers of e-cigarette cartridges, which could poison animals if they are chewed or swallowed.
The Veterinary Poisons Information Service– a 24-hour telephone emergency service used by vets – has had 113 calls on the issue in a year.