Tobacco and Our Furry Friends
Hey! I’m Tucker, a French Bulldog, and I’m here to tell you that I’m bullish on keeping pets safe and tobacco-free. I would like to tell you a little more about how second and thirdhand smoke affect those of us who live a little closer to the ground.
Secondhand smoke is bad news
A lot of people don’t connect us to this whole smoking thing. But think about it — we breathe the same air you do. If that air is filled with cigarette smoke, we breathe that just like you do.
A lot of people think we’re different animals — us dogs, cats, hamsters, turtles and such. And we certainly are! But, that doesn’t mean we aren’t hurt by cigarette smoke.
Think of it this way: cigarette smoke has more and heavier particles than those that usually float around in the air, like dust. Since they weigh more, these particles settle down closer to the floor — down to where we are. And, man, those particles are dangerous! They have cancer causing stuff in them! That means we four legged creatures can be exposed to an even higher concentration of icky chemicals than you humans are.
And that’s not all. Those particles settle on surfaces — this is called thirdhand smoke. They blend with chemicals in the carpet, on the furniture, our beds, in our owner’s clothes, and such to make something called a Volatile Organic Compound. Can you say ‘carcinogenic’?
It’s not good for people. But think about this: I roll around and sleep on the carpet, the couch, my beautiful red plaid doggy bed that rests on the floor. This stuff gets in our fur, on our paws (I know, I know…I shouldn’t lick), and I guess I rub it into my nose and stuff when I sniff around for that toy I lost under the chair.
Exposure puts pets at risk
What do you think that does to me and all the others? I can tell you, it’s not good. Researchers have found that secondhand smoke exposure can increase the risk for cell damage, some cancers, and weight gain. The risk to our feline friends is higher than for us dogs. Studies also show that dogs in smoking households gain more weight than those in non-smoking households. Being overweight can put us at risk for other health problems.
Quit for your health and the health of your pets
So how can you protect your furry friends from the health hazards that come with secondhand smoke? Quit smoking! I know quitting can be ruff, but free help is available by calling the SC Tobacco Quitline, 1–800–QUIT NOW (784–8669). Plus, your pet is happy to support you. In the meantime, smoking outside can reduce our exposure to chemicals.
Resources
Secondhand Smoke’s Impact On Your Furry Friends’ Health: Pets May Be At Higher Risk Than Kids