Copyright® Kahlil Hanns Lucero, DVM. All rights reserved 2007
Disclaimer: The information contained on this web site is meant to be used as a general guide for the services at Pasig Petcare Veterinary Clinic. Pasig
Petcare Veterinary Clinic reserves the right to change services, staff and information represented on this web site without notice. In case of an emergency
involving your pet, consult a veterinary professional for recommendations specific to your pet’s condition immediately.
Petcare Veterinary Clinic reserves the right to change services, staff and information represented on this web site without notice. In case of an emergency
involving your pet, consult a veterinary professional for recommendations specific to your pet’s condition immediately.
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| Pasig Petcare Vet Clinic |
Secondhand Smoke: Silent Killer Hurts Pets, Too
Health officials often talk about the dangers of living with a smoker, but few pet parents are aware
that our animal companions face similar risks—from respiratory problems to cancer—when exposed
to secondhand smoke. New research suggests that secondhand smoke is unsafe at all levels—for
humans and pets—so it's time to get serious about ditching those butts for good.
One recent study shows that nearly 30 percent of pets live with at least one smoker. This is a grave
concern, according to Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, Medical Director of the ASPCA's Animal Poison
Control Center, since secondhand smoke can damage the nervous systems of both cats and dogs.
"Tobacco smoke has been shown to contain numerous cancer-causing compounds, making it
hazardous for animals as well as humans," says Dr. Gwaltney-Brant. "Exposure to secondhand
smoke can cause many of the same harmful inflammatory changes in the airways and lungs of
dogs as their human counterparts."
Cats who live with smokers are prone to developing malignant lymphoma, perhaps as a result of
ingesting carcinogenic residue when it settles on their fur. Kitty's canine counterparts are especially
vulnerable to secondhand smoke's respiratory effects, and can develop life-threatening nasal and
lung cancers.
Nicotine—found in cigarettes and other tobacco products—is also highly toxic to animals if
ingested. A dog who accidentally eats tobacco may develop weakness, muscle twitching,
decreased breathing rate, and finally collapse, coma and possibly death. The ASPCA strongly
recommends keeping your pet away from tobacco as well as secondhand smoke.
(Article courtesy of www.aspca.org)
Health officials often talk about the dangers of living with a smoker, but few pet parents are aware
that our animal companions face similar risks—from respiratory problems to cancer—when exposed
to secondhand smoke. New research suggests that secondhand smoke is unsafe at all levels—for
humans and pets—so it's time to get serious about ditching those butts for good.
One recent study shows that nearly 30 percent of pets live with at least one smoker. This is a grave
concern, according to Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, Medical Director of the ASPCA's Animal Poison
Control Center, since secondhand smoke can damage the nervous systems of both cats and dogs.
"Tobacco smoke has been shown to contain numerous cancer-causing compounds, making it
hazardous for animals as well as humans," says Dr. Gwaltney-Brant. "Exposure to secondhand
smoke can cause many of the same harmful inflammatory changes in the airways and lungs of
dogs as their human counterparts."
Cats who live with smokers are prone to developing malignant lymphoma, perhaps as a result of
ingesting carcinogenic residue when it settles on their fur. Kitty's canine counterparts are especially
vulnerable to secondhand smoke's respiratory effects, and can develop life-threatening nasal and
lung cancers.
Nicotine—found in cigarettes and other tobacco products—is also highly toxic to animals if
ingested. A dog who accidentally eats tobacco may develop weakness, muscle twitching,
decreased breathing rate, and finally collapse, coma and possibly death. The ASPCA strongly
recommends keeping your pet away from tobacco as well as secondhand smoke.
(Article courtesy of www.aspca.org)