PASSIVE SMOKING AND PETS.

[jillygirl]

Passive smoking harms pets too warns PDSA

Following the call by senior doctors for a ban on smoking in cars, leading vet charity, PDSA, says the measure would benefit the health of the UK’s pets as well as people.

“Pets, just like humans, can be affected by inhaling second-hand smoke,” said PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Sean Wensley. “When people smoke in confined spaces, any passengers, be they people or pets, will have no choice but to inhale the toxic fumes.”

Research* shows cats that are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke in the home are twice as likely to develop feline lymphoma, a potentially fatal form of cancer. It can also cause breathing problems, sneezing and coughing.

Dogs are also very susceptible to smoking-related respiratory problems; studies have linked exposure to tobacco smoke to both nasal and sinus cancers**.

“The negative effects of passive smoking on human health are well known, but many smokers don’t realise that their habit may also be damaging their pet’s health,” added Sean Wensley.

“Prolonged exposure to smoking will eventually take its toll on our pets, who may go on to suffer the pain and distress of chronic breathing difficulties or cancer. So we are urging owners to think about their four-legged friend’s health as well as their own before they light up.”

Birds don’t escape the effects either. They have very sensitive respiratory systems, so cigarette smoke can be extremely harmful to birds kept indoors.

For more advice and information about pet health visit pdsa.org.uk/pethealth.

[Friezfriend 13 MONTHS WINNER]

Oh dear, I'm not going to lay guilt on myself because it it too late now, not just my pet but my daughter as well who always always hated me smoking and thankfully has not become a smoker herself, largely because I brought her up to despise it and to some extent me for doing it, we managed to work that one through though thankfully, as I said on an earlier post my dog got really wheezy which caused me to smoke a lot more outside, her breathing has improved a lot in the last few weeks. She is 16 in February so she thank goodness isn't doing too badly. As someone said earlier guilt and worry are wasted emotions but all of this is real food for thought isn't it? Have a lovely evening.

[jillygirl Administrator LONG TERM WINNER]

Hi Ffriend, I too felt guilty with my dog. but ignorance on my part. Now i know better. Guilt and worry may be wasted but they do make you more alert. have a lovely evening too.

[yellowsnowdrop]

I lost my fab cat Hobbit some years ago to Upper Respiratoy and Gastric Cancer.I didn't really ever think that it could possibly be because I smoked, now I wonder.We have 2 New cats, Ben Arfur and Misty, both seem happier now that I don't smoke.Amazing just how much happiness stubbing out that last cig ever can bring and not just to you.

[LilyMay73 LONG TERM WINNER]

I lost my beloved dog to Lymphoma. It was absolutely horrible to see such a beautiful creature suffer and the only thing that can now alleviate the guilt I feel about the possibility that I made my loyal, loving boy ill is that I will never again inflict that fate upon one of my many pets. It's so important not to dwell on the guilt but make sure the positive decision to change succeeds to the benefit of all x