Trying to quit smoking? Are you in need of a little more motivation? What if it was increasing your dog’s risk of cancer or painful corneal ulceration?

We don’t often consider the impact that smoking can have on our pets, but understanding the serious implications the habit can have on furry family members can serve as an extra push to kick the habit.

Passive Smoking

The detrimental effects of smoking on the smoker, as well as on their family, have been widely publicised, and it is well known that smoking, as well as passive smoking, can cause serious health problems, such as cancer, heart disease, stroke and lung disease.

We also know that 85% of cigarette smoke is invisible and that toxic particles accumulate on the surfaces of our homes, including furniture and carpets as well as clinging to our clothes and hair, long after the smoking has stopped. These surface accumulations are known as third-hand smoke and are thought to be even more carcinogenic than second-hand smoke. The particles are released from the surfaces they cling to and react with other indoor pollutants, creating a further toxic mix. Airing does not remove these particles, clothes and surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned to get rid of them.

And, we also know that it’s not just people who are affected by second and third-hand smoke. Our pets are even more vulnerable to the deleterious effects of the by-products of smoking. This is because:

• They can absorb the toxins clinging to carpets and floors through their paws;
• The toxins will transfer to their coats, which they may then lick (particularly problematic in cats, who are fastidious groomers!);
• They are lower down and closer to the carpets and furniture and the particles they will be releasing;
• They often do not have the opportunity to remove themselves from the smoky environment.

Research into the effect of passive smoking on dogs has shown that living with a smoker leads to:

• an increased risk of nasal and lung cancer;
• cell damage;
• increased weight gain after neutering;
• an increased risk of corneal ulceration (ouch!).

Although there are limited amounts of research into the effects of passive smoking on dogs specifically, I think it is safe to assume that they will also be subject to the myriad of problems experienced by humans who are subjected to second and third-hand smoke. I also can’t help but think how much more unpleasant it must be for dogs to be around cigarette smoke with their far superior sense of smell.

Nicotine

The other risk to dogs from smoking comes by way of nicotine poisoning, and ironically, this can be more common whilst owners are attempting to quit, owing to the presence of nicotine replacement patches, gums etc. in the home. The toxic level of nicotine in dogs is 0.5-1.0mg per pound (approx. 500g) of body weight. 10mg/kg of body weight can be enough to have fatal consequences. The effects of nicotine poisoning can be seen within an hour and include:

• Vomiting;
• Abnormal heart rate;
• Drooling;
• Incoordination;
• Hallucination;
• Tremors;
• Weakness;
• Collapse.

If you think your dog has ingested nicotine-containing products, do contact your vet.

Mitigating the Risk

If you are a smoker, you can reduce the risk to your dog by not smoking in the house. Remember, however, that the toxic particles will still be present on your clothes and hair, so this does not eliminate the risk to your pet.

If you are quitting, the great news is that your pet will be living in a much less toxic environment soon. In the meantime, be sure to keep all nicotine-containing items out of your dog’s reach, including cigarette butts, which puppies particularly will often pick up to investigate, and which contain high levels of nasty toxins.

Author Bio:
Steph Rousseau is a dog trainer and behaviourist who lives in Dublin with her two rescue dogs, a greyhound and a beagle cross. She offers training and behaviour consults for dogs of all ages and breeds. Find out more at www.stephsdogtraining.ie