Dogs with long noses are at a greater risk of developing nasal and sinus cancer.  Dogs with short and medium noses are more likely to develop lung cancer. 

Other health effects may include:

• Nasal & Lung Cancer
• Asthma
• Salivation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Allergic reactions
• Cardiac abnormalities

Birds

Birds are much more sensitive to secondhand smoke than dogs and cats. 

Health effects may include:

• Poor feather quality
• Lung inflammation
• Eye disease
• Skin problems

Cats

Cats are exposed to a variety of health problems by inhaling
secondhand smoke or ingesting it when grooming themselves. 

Health effects may include:

• Asthmatic-like symptoms
• Respiratory paralysis
• Lung inflammation
• Eye irritation
• Feline lymphoma
• Oral cancer

Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is comprised of a mixture of smoke given off by the burning of a tobacco product and smoke exhaled by the smoker.

There are 4,000 chemical compounds in secondhand smoke including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, chromium, nickel, vinyl chloride and arsenic.  Over 50 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer.

Facts

Dogs and cats can be harmed from:

• Breathing secondhand smoke
• Eating cigarette butts, cigar butts, nicotine replacement gum and nicotine patches
• Drinking water that contains cigar or cigarette butts

Cancer causing chemicals can be detected in dog’s hair and urine for months after being exposed to secondhand smoke!

Prevention – What you can do

• Step outside to smoke
• Keep ashtrays clean and out of pets reach
• Dispose of nicotine gum, patches and cigarette butts safely
• Consider quitting

For help in quitting smoking, contact our Cessation Specialist at 625-5982

For more information about your pets health, contact your local Veterinarian