We have all heard about the dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke for people. Now, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) wants everyone to know that secondhand smoke is dangerous for pets, too. “Scientific research shows that people who smoke are more likely to get certain types of cancer and other diseases, but a lot of people don’t know that the same goes for the pets of smokers,” said Dr. Ron DeHaven, CEO of the AVMA.
Cats and dogs that live with smokers face a vastly increased risk of developing cancer. Lung cancer and nasal cancer are particularly threatening to dogs while cats that live with smokers are twice as likely to develop malignant lymphoma — fatal to three out of four cats within a year — and are more likely to get mouth cancer.
The good news, according to a recent web survey, is that 28 percent of pet owners who smoke would try to quit if they knew that secondhand smoke endangered their pets. We think there’s no better reason to kick the habit than to protect and prolong the health and well-being your furry friend.
There are many ways to kick the dangerous habit. Seeing a doctor is at the top of the list as they can prescribe medicine to help. But if you are absolutely hellbent on continuing your smoking habit, please do so outside and away from your dog.
