Our pets are considered part of the family in most homes across the United States and beyond. So we need to ensure we are taking care to protect them as we would ourselves. Many of the things we do directly affect our animals. Smoking in our home is one such thing that has great effects on our pets, and I don’t mean positive ones.
Our pets’ lungs are virtually identical to ours. Smoke from cigarettes is extremely harmful to our lungs as well as theirs. They are much more susceptible to the carcinogens then we are, as they are in our home longer. We go to work, they stay home. Therefore they are inhaling the fumes and breathing in those toxins. The smoke and its toxic carcinogens lay upon their fur. When they lick their fur they are ingesting the toxins straight on. Remember, cats are constantly grooming! That increases their risk to toxicity. Here are a few examples of how second hand smoke effects various animals within our home:
Dogs – Lung and nasal cancer.
Cats – Oral and lymphoma cancer.
Birds – Respiratory issues
You can see the effects of second hand smoke as stated above as well as through these symptoms: Breathing problems Heart issues Salivation Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Allergies
- Hacking cough
