One Health

Smoking and tobacco use are some of the top causes of preventable death, disease, and disability in the United States. Today, the World Health Organization recognizes World No Tobacco Day. On this day, I'd like to consider the effects of second and thirdhand smoke on not only people but also pets!

Most of us have heard of secondhand smoke- the smoke that lingers in the air when someone is smoking. There is significant evidence that this exposure is harmful to people. There is not as much information when it comes to pets, but the information we do have shows that pets are affected in much the same way humans are. Breathing in smoke damages lung tissue causing breathing issues. Long-nosed dogs in smoking households have double the risk of nose cancer, because their nose cleans the air they breathe for them, while shorter-nosed dogs have a higher risk of lung cancer.

There is growing evidence as to the harm of thirdhand smoke as well. This refers to chemicals that settle onto surfaces after smoke dissipates. These surfaces include furniture, walls and floors, clothing, and skin. Children and pets are especially susceptible to this exposure. For cats, their fur is also a surface at risk. Chemicals settle onto their fur, and they ingest them when they groom. And, dogs just love to lick! Whether it's your arm or the floor as they eat a treat, they are picking up anything that is stuck there.

There are many information campaigns about the harm of tobacco… but there can be even more harm than we realize! When you are working with pet families at your respective agencies, does anyone discuss smoking in the household with pets? What are some ways you can share this information with families?

References:

Be Smoke-free and Help Your Pets Live Longer, Healthier Lives | FDA

World No Tobacco Day

Smoking and tobacco use are some of the top causes of preventable death, disease, and disability in the United States. Today, the World Health Organization recognizes World No Tobacco Day. On this day, I'd like to consider the effects of second and thirdhand smoke on not only people but also pets!

Most of us have heard of secondhand smoke- the smoke that lingers in the air when someone is smoking. There is significant evidence that this exposure is harmful to people. There is not as much information when it comes to pets, but the information we do have shows that pets are affected in much the same way humans are. Breathing in smoke damages lung tissue causing breathing issues. Long-nosed dogs in smoking households have double the risk of nose cancer, because their nose cleans the air they breathe for them, while shorter-nosed dogs have a higher risk of lung cancer.

There is growing evidence as to the harm of thirdhand smoke as well. This refers to chemicals that settle onto surfaces after smoke dissipates. These surfaces include furniture, walls and floors, clothing, and skin. Children and pets are especially susceptible to this exposure. For cats, their fur is also a surface at risk. Chemicals settle onto their fur, and they ingest them when they groom. And, dogs just love to lick! Whether it's your arm or the floor as they eat a treat, they are picking up anything that is stuck there.

There are many information campaigns about the harm of tobacco… but there can be even more harm than we realize! When you are working with pet families at your respective agencies, does anyone discuss smoking in the household with pets? What are some ways you can share this information with families?

References:

Be Smoke-free and Help Your Pets Live Longer, Healthier Lives | FDA

World No Tobacco Day