The smoke that comes from a burning cigarette is not only harmful to the people that happen to be around it, but also to their animal friends. On average, 85% of the tobacco smoke produced by a lit cigarette escapes into the environment while the other 15% is inhaled. That smoke contains over 4,000 deadly chemicals including formaldehyde, cyanide, arsenic, and carbon monoxide. These chemicals fill the air and coat surfaces such as clothing, furniture, carpet, and animal fur among others. Pets are particularly vulnerable to SHS because they have no choice but to breathe it in and allow their coats and surroundings be tainted by it. While the cloud of secondhand smoke may not always be seen, evidence of exposure to it lingers on animal fur and in an animal's system for several months.

Not surprisingly, pets living with smokers suffer from similar respiratory and cardiac problems as the smokers themselves. SHS smoke can aggravate a pet's allergies, asthma, and its sensitive nose. Dogs that live with a smoker are 60% more likely to develop lung cancer than those that don't. Specifically, dogs with long noses (e.g. collies and greyhounds) are more at risk for nasal cancer, while dogs with short noses (e.g. pugs) are at greater risk for lung cancer.

Studies indicate that cats don't fair any better when it comes to breathing secondhand smoke. Cats that live with a smoker are twice as likely to develop feline lymphoma as cats that live with a nonsmoker. The risk for feline lymphoma is increased depending on time of exposure and density of exposure. Explicitly, cats that live with a smoker for five years or longer are three times more likely to develop feline lymphoma, while cats that live with two smokers are four times more likely to develop the cancer than cats that live with nonsmokers. It has also been found by another study that cats exposed to SHS have higher rates of oral cancer than those living with nonsmokers. Researchers believe this is because when cats groom themselves they ingest the particles on their fur, which include the poisonous constituents of tobacco smoke.

Pet birds are also at risk of health problems due to their owners smoking habits. Birds exposed to SHS suffer from arterial plaques which increase their risk of cardiovascular disease, contact dermatitis (which causes feather loss), eye and respiratory problems.

Tips for Pet Owners and Those Considering Getting a Pet

Don't smoke or allow smoking in any area where your pet spends time (e.g. home and car)

If you must smoke, go outside

Keep cigarettes, ashtrays, chewing tobacco and nicotine gum away from pets

Contact your veterinarian if your pet does ingest nicotine

For help adjusting your lifestyle and/or quitting, call Jefferson County Department of Health and Wellness at: 303-275-7558