The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has teamed up with The Royal College of Nursing in a campaign to demonstrate to smokers, how their habit can directly harm their pets.
This research shows family pets are put at risk by smokers’ nicotine and smoke inhalation.
“Many people would be horrified to discover their second-hand smoke was harming their pet, and in some cases seriously shortening the animal’s life” said Wendy Preston, the RCN’s Head of Nursing.
Sadly however, it appears animals inhale more smoke than humans, and digest nicotine deposits when licking their fur.
Furthermore, it seems that pets who snuggle up to their owners when they’re smoking are more at risk. Additionally, those pets who spend more time relaxing on carpets and furniture are also at an increased risk. This is because the furniture may be covered in carcinogenic particles and deposits.
The main risks to animals from passive smoking
Dogs can develop lung or sinus cancer.
Cat have an increased risk of developing lymphoma and mouth cancer.
Birds, rabbits, and guinea pigs can suffer eye, skin and respiratory disease.
Smoke exposure worsens bronchitis, asthma and breathing conditions in animals that already have those conditions.
Second hand smoke can cause a whole range of other problems too, from skin conditions to weight gain.
Eye complaints – constant exposure to smoke can irritate the delicate membranes of your pets’ eyes.
What are the studies saying?
A research team from Glasgow University has been carrying out research on the effects of passive smoking on the pets in its small animal research unit for several years.
Forty dogs were recruited on the initial study, half of them from homes with smokers. Samples of their hair were analysed for nicotine levels, while their owners were asked to fill in a survey detailing how often they or any visitors smoked.
The same study was then carried out on 60 pet cats, particularly investigating possible links between second-hand smoke and feline lymphoma. This is a cancer affecting white blood cells in cats. However, results are more complicated for cats. A cat can be from a smoke-free home yet still have high nicotine levels. This is because they are free-wandering animals and can potentially become exposed to second-hand smoke by visiting outdoor smoking areas.
Professor Knottenbelt, the principal researcher on this Glasgow study, stated: “Our findings show that exposure to smoke in the home is having a direct impact on pets. It risks ongoing cell damage, increasing weight gain after castration and has previously been shown to increase the risk of certain cancers”.
“We have already shown that dogs can take in significant amounts of smoke when living in a smoking household. Our current study in cats shows that cats are even more affected. This may be due to the extensive self-grooming that cats do, as this would increase the amount of smoke taken into the body.”
How to reduce the impact of smoke on your pet
Professor Knottenbelt’s advice is that that the best way to protect your pet is to give up smoking altogether. Smoking outdoors will help and having a cigarette in a different room will reduce the amount of smoke that they inhaled. However, carcinogenic particles are still likely to remain on your clothes, furniture, and soft furnishings.
He concluded: “We are all aware of the risks to our health from smoking and it is important we do everything we can to encourage people to stop smoking. As well as the risk to the smoker, there is the danger of second-hand smoke to others. Pet owners often do not think about the impact that smoking could have on their pets.”
Whilst you can reduce the amount of smoke your pet is exposed to by smoking outdoors and by reducing the number of tobacco products smoked by the members of the household, stopping smoking completely is the best option for your pet’s future health and well-being.”
Studies show that smoking fewer than 10 tobacco products daily reduces nicotine in cat hair but still leaves higher levels than in non-smoking homes.
Practical steps to take
Good ventilation
Good ventilation may help. Also, air purifiers and regular vacuuming of soft furnishings to lessen the amount of potentially dangerous particles and residue. Even if you maximise ventilation by opening windows or doors, smoke still spreads around your home. Almost 85% of tobacco smoke is invisible and toxic particles from smoke can build up on surfaces and clothes.
Wash your hands after smoking
Regularly clean
Regularly clean and steam carpets to reduce the toxic particles from collecting in the home
Is it safer to use vaporisers or electronic cigarettes around pets instead?
While there have been no studies to suggest that fumes from electronic cigarettes pose any danger to pets, there have been incidents of poisoning from pets managing to eat them.
The Veterinary Poisons Information Service has seen as increase in cases of electronic poisoning over the past few years, with 113 reported in 2016.
There has been a massive increase in the use of these devices, so it is likely that this problem is hugely under reported and a growing issue. Therefore, even though electronic cigarettes are a better alternative to harmful tobacco smoke, they must be kept well out of the reach of pets.
Additional risk of choking
In addition, many pets require veterinary treatment and become seriously ill after ingesting cigarettes, tobacco or vaporisers. Remember not to leave cigarette butts or ash tray in easy access of pets.
If your dog is choking
If your dog gets something stuck in the back of their throat it could potentially block their airway. If you see your dog showing signs of distress, you need to act quickly. This could include: pawing at their mouth, retching, drooling, gagging, or clearly struggling to breathe.
Start first aid and see if you can dislodge the offending item. If you can’t, then get your pet to the vet immediately. For our article on what to do if your dog is choking, click here.
To take our free choking dog course, click here.
About us
Written by Emma Hammett for First Aid for Life
Award-winning first aid training tailored to your needs
It is strongly advised that you attend a practical First Aid for Pets course or take our online course to understand what to do in a medical emergency. Please visit https://firstaidforlife.org.uk, https://www.firstaidforpets.net or call 0208 675 4036 for more information about our courses.
First Aid for Life is a multi-award-winning, fully regulated first aid training provider. Our trainers are highly experienced medical, health and emergency services professionals. They will tailor the training to your needs. Courses for groups or individuals at our venue or yours.
First Aid for Pets provides this information for guidance. It is not in any way a substitute for veterinary advice. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person or animal, however caused.