Another Reason to Quit Smoking: Second Hand Smoke Harms Pets, Too!

If there aren't enough reasons to quit smoking, here's another. Second hand smoke affects pets. That's right-your pets are just as susceptible as people to develop cancer.

What are the risks?

Feline lymphoma kills many cats each year, and if you are a cat lover, you know how painful it can be to lose your precious pet to the disease. For many years lymphoma in cats has been thought to be caused by feline leukemia virus, but a 2002 study by Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine indicates that what is in the air is a major factor in the health of your cat.

Cats are at special risk to get mouth and stomach cancer because they groom themselves throughout the day. The smoke left by cigarettes doesn't just get into carpets, and window curtains, they get into cats' fur, staining them with the pungent odors of smoke. When cats groom themselves, they lick off the smoke-stained fur and swallow the carcinogens.

Dogs inhaling cigarette smoke are at a higher risk for lung, nose, and sinus cancer. The studies have been around for years, but like second hand smoking risks to humans, the message has been greatly ignored. 28 March 1992, New Scientist released an article reporting the potential dangers to dogs in smoking-homes. The article explains how long-nosed dogs (Labradors or Setters) are less likely to develop lung cancer, but unlike their smaller-nosed counterparts (small breeds of Poodles or Yorkies), are more likely to develop nose cancer. Either way, they are at risk.

What can you do?

Smoke outside. It's as easy as getting up and going out onto the porch, deck, or driveway. Instead of allowing pets to take in the cigarette smoke, let the smoke pollute the air where it will disperse harmlessly.

Quit smoking. The risks of cigarette smoke are many. Cats and dogs aren't the only ones at risk; children and regular houseguests are also at major risk. You're running the risk of, not only dying young, but dying painfully, hooked up to tubes. You're also putting others at risk with your second hand smoke.

It's getting easier and easier to quit smoking, and there is mounting evidence of why smokers should. But they need help. Smokers can't do it themselves. If you smoke, try to get your friends and family to support you in your attempt to kick the habit. If you know a smoker (especially one with a child, spouse, or pet at risk for second hand smoke) offer a helping hand. Anti-smoking medication is also becoming more affective. Patches and pills can stem the smoking cravings without adding the cravings of food that have haunted smokers trying to quit in past decades.

No matter what the choice is, the evidence is clear. It's not just about the smoker's "right," but the rights of those around them, both humans and pets.