Animal lovers are being urged to think about their pets before lighting up around them, following reports of the death of a dog from lung cancer caused by passive smoking.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home staff are warning that pets whose owners smoke are twice as likely to develop some types of cancers as those whose owners don’t.
Smoking can also make symptoms worse in pets already suffering from illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis.
Battersea’s Veterinary Director, Shaun Opperman, said: “At Battersea we always advise owners not to smoke around their pets because they are equally susceptible to the disease risk, while generally being unable to escape it.
“Cats are also at risk from grooming the toxins contained in tobacco smoke off their fur, which can cause oral cancers.
“In addition, we see frequent cases of cats with feline asthma which can be aggravated by second hand smoke.
“In order to better protect your pets, take the same precautions as you would with a child – don’t smoke around them and keep them away from second-hand smoke.”
Picture courtesy of Jonas Boni, with thanks
