Smoking Can Harm Your Pets
By Debra Guevara
A study from Colorado State University brought to light that dogs with long snouts presented with nasal cancer, after exposure to secondhand smoke, more frequently than dogs in a smoke free environment. Unfortunately these dogs most often died within twelve months. Short nosed and medium nosed dogs had greater instances of respiratory cancer. Cats with flat faces also present with respiratory cancer after being exposed to a smoking environment.
A Tuft College of Veterinary Medicine study discloses a substantial link between certain kinds of cancer in cats and smoke from tobacco products. More felines with mouth cancer repeatedly came from homes in which their owner smoked as compared to those who lived in smoke free environments. Cats living with owners that smoke for over five years had a much greater percentage of oral cancer. Felines residing in a home of smokers get cancer of the lymph nodes one hundred percent more often than cats living with nonsmokers. Seventy-five percent of cats die within 1 year after getting this disease.
Birds are dying from tobacco smoke in the home, as well. Birds' lungs are highly vulnerable to pollutants and they can get pneumonia or even worse, respiratory cancer from cigarette smoke. These pets can have difficulties relating to their reproductive organs, skin, eyes, and their heart.
Not only is smoking harmful to your pets; cigarette butts, leaf tobacco, and cigar stubs also pose a threat. Ingestion of nicotine can prove deadly to animals. Never leave your ashtrays full or throw your butts on the ground. This will only lead to trouble if your pet gets curious and chews them.
Smoking can be as harmful to pets as it is to their human counterparts. Take in to consideration the health of your pet before exposing them to tobacco smoke in your home. Remember they are the innocent victim in this circumstance.
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