Dangers of Smoking Around Your Dog

We all know the health issues people experience from smoking cigarettes. While some dispute the dangers of second-hand smoke, others acknowledge it and do not smoke around non-smokers. Some smokers refuse to smoke around their children. How many of you that smoke do it around your dog and never give it a second thought? Did you know you could be causing health issues and other dangers to your pet?

Your Dog Could be Allergic to Smoke

If your dog scratches and chews on his feet, he may have allergies. You might have already figured that out and have been trying to eliminate or change his food and shampoo to give him some relief from the itching and scratching. If you smoke around your dog, he may be allergic to cigarette smoke. Even if your dog doesn't seem to be affected by your second-hand smoke, you should consider avoiding smoking around him for a variety of other reasons.

Second-Hand Smoke Could Cause Health Issues

If you are a smoker, you know that it can affect your breathing. Second-hand smoke can affect your dog the same way. The dog's lungs are a lot smaller then ours, so it doesn't take much second-hand smoke to contaminate their tiny lungs. Certain breeds of dogs, especially pug types, already have restricted airways, so imagine how second-hand smoke would congest them.

Dogs can even develop bronchial spasms and bronchitis from breathing your second-hand cigarette smoke. If you have ever suffered from bronchitis you know this can be miserable. If your dog appears to sneeze and wheeze around you, it is a sure bet that it's the cigarette smoke, or even the lingering smell on your clothes causing it.

According to an article on USAToday, second-hand smoke can cause lung cancer and various other tumors in your dog. We know from statistics that it certainly can cause cancer in humans. It stands to reason that second-hand smoke could cause cancer in the even tinier bodies of our dogs.

More Reasons Not to Smoke Around Your Dog

Anyone that smokes in their home has had to deal with that nasty yellow film that clings to everything. This same nasty yellow film is landing on your dog's fur and clinging to it. If you have a white, or other light colored dog, his fur may appear dull and dingy most of the time. The smell of stale smoke may also cling to his fur.

Does your little dog sit in your lap while you are smoking? You run the risk of dropping ashes on him which could singe his fur or cause a nasty burn. If you have ever endured a cigarette burn, you know how painful that can be. If you really have no desire to quit smoking, that is your business, but just as you wouldn't smoke around your small child, give your dog the same consideration. Put the dog in another room when you smoke, or better yet, start smoking outside.

More By this Contributor:

How to Use a Flea Comb
Dog Vaccinations: Are All of Them Necessary?
Your Pet Could Save Other Pets by being a Blood Donor