Second-Hand Smoke and Pets

We're often told about the risks of second-hand and third-hand smoke for non-smokers, adults and children alike, and that it increases the risk of respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis and the development of cancers. What about our pets?

Not only are they not spared, they're even more at risk because they're more exposed than we are. Cats breathe in more second-hand smoke, because they spend more time, if not most of the time, at home than we do. While we go out to run errands, work or play, they stay indoors. As for “tertiary” smoke - smoke whose particles are deposited on furniture, sofas, beds, floors, carpets and clothing - our pets are more exposed to it too, as they lie, sleep and roll around in these places. Their hair retains these particles in greater quantities, and since they are not washed regularly like we are, they retain these particles longer in their fur.

They also ingest more of it, since dogs, and especially cats, are constantly grooming themselves. Studies have shown direct correlations between these increased exposures to second-hand and third-hand smoke and the development of inflammatory diseases in our pets; conditions such as obesity, asthma, bronchitis, cancers of the respiratory system, mouth and digestive system, to name only the most frequent.

It's certain that by reducing the amount of cigarettes smoked indoors, the quantity of smoke and harmful particles also decreases, as does the impact on your pet.

Written by: Dr. Geneviève Boisselle