I think we have all finally learned that inhaling second-hand smoke is just as bad as smoking.

The State of Colorado and Connecticut Departments of Public Health conducted studies and found that second hand smoke is greatly associated with nasal sinus cancer and linked to lung cancer in dogs. The incidence of nasal cavity tumors in dogs that were exposed to second-hand smoke was higher than dogs that lived in households with non-smoking members.

The studies showed that long nosed dogs such as collies are more at risk to nasal cavity tumors than short or medium nosed dogs. However short or medium nose dogs have a greater incidence of lung cancer most likely because their nasal passages are less effective at filtering out the carcinogens before air enters their lungs.

Did you ever hear of third-hand smoke? It’s the particles of the tobacco smoke that are deposited on skin.  Since animals lick and groom themselves, these particles of smoke can be ingested. Both second and third-hand smoke is absorbed in our pets’ mucous membranes in the mouth and nose. When there is smoking in the household, our pets are in danger by:

• Breathing in second-hand smoke
• Drinking water where third-hand smoke has settled
• Licking third-hand smoke off their fur or skin and off floors and/or surfaces
• Eating cigarette or cigar butts
• Eating nicotine products such as patches or gum

Cancer is the most frightening health issue related to smoking, but there are others such as:

• Breathing problems
• Asthma symptoms
• Allergies
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Cardiac abnormalities
• Lymphoma, or possibly
• Death

The best thing you can do for you and your family (including your pets) is not to smoke. If you do, being aware of the dangers to your beloved pet may give you incentive to quit.

We are the only Orlando dog boarding and Orlando doggie day care center that has an indoor heated pool for dogs. See it for yourself by scheduling a tour!

Rocky's Retreat | 2826 Shader Rd. Orlando FL 32808 | info@rockysretreat.com | (407) 295-3888