Passive smoking is not only harmful to people, but it also poses serious risks to pets, leading many pet owners to quit smoking to improve the health of their pets. According to research done at the University of Glasgow, there is a direct correlation between smoking environment and higher health risks among animals including cancers, cell damage and weight gain.
“Pets are being harmed by this smoke exposure,” pointed out Professor Clare Knottenbelt, who works as the Professor of Small Animal Medicine and Oncology at the University’s Small Animal Hospital. However, “it leads to more cell damage over time which makes them gain weight faster after they have been neutered and increases susceptibility towards certain types of cancer.”
Veterinarians have long warned about the dangers of secondhand smoke for pets. Common problems are respiratory illnesses, allergies and increased rates of cancer. Grooming habits as well as small size make pets especially vulnerable since these expose them to residues on their fur and skin.
Riya Singh, a Delhi resident, has two cats. One of them, Tofu, started to cough and wheeze. Riya took her pet to the vet, who said that her cat was suffering because of secondhand smoke. “My father is a smoker but I realised that it is affecting my cat’s well-being,” she said. “He usually goes outside to smoke, but this discovery has made him aware of his smoking and I think he too wants to quit smoking now.”
Dr. Riyaz Khan, a veterinarian consultant at R K Wellness Pet Clinic, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, explained, “Pets living in households with smokers are three times more likely to develop lung and nasal cancers, heart disease, and respiratory issues. These animals often show signs such as coughing, wheezing, and dyspnoea.”
Knottenbelt pointed out that cats are especially vulnerable in smoking households because of their intensive self-grooming behaviours, which increase the amount of smoke absorbed into their body.
Rakesh, who prefers to go by his first name, is a dog owner, who noticed that his Golden Retriever, Anna, struggling with breathing issues and a lack of energy. After quitting smoking for 2 years now, Rakesh saw significant improvements in Anna’s overall health and vitality. “Anna became more playful and energetic,” he shared. “It was clear that quitting smoking made a huge difference for her.”
The toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke, which also includes nicotine are harmful to pets. These substances can lead to serious health issues, such as lung cancer, nasal cancer, and heart disease. Pets’ frequent grooming habits increase their ingestion of these toxins which further exacerbates their health risks.
Dr Khan shared, “Pets can develop breathing problems, eye irritation, and skin irritation when exposed to smoke and smoke residue. Curious pets become very sick when they eat cigarette butts, nicotine gum, or patches, and need emergency veterinary treatment.”
The study also showed that when owners reduced the total number of tobacco products smoked in the home to less than 10 per day, the nicotine levels in the pet’s hair dropped significantly but were still higher than those in pets from non-smoking homes.
“Whilst you can reduce the amount of smoke your pet is exposed to by smoking outdoors and by reducing the number of tobacco products smoked by household members, stopping smoking completely is the best option for your pet’s future health and wellbeing,” Knottenbelt added.
Dr. Khan said, “Quitting smoking is one of the best things pet owners can do for their pets’ health. There are many resources available to help people quit, which will be beneficial to both the owner and the pet.”
Quitting smoking benefits not just the smoker’s health, but also the well-being of their pets. As awareness about the dangers of secondhand smoking develops, more pet owners are finding new reasons to quit in order to provide a healthier environment for their beloved animals.