The Effects of Secondhand Smoke on Pets

Everyone knows that secondhand smoke is harmful to humans, but did you know it can be equally detrimental to your pets?

Like their human counterparts, pets exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk for developing various health issues. Pet parents should understand these risks and take steps to protect their furry and feathered friends.

Let’s take a detailed look at the effects of secondhand smoke on pets, plus tips to safeguard their health.

What Is Secondhand Smoke?

Smokers—and people and pets exposed to smokers—are affected by smoke in different ways. Here are the differences between firsthand, secondhand, and thirdhand smoke:

• Firsthand smoke: Firsthand smoke refers to the smoke inhaled directly by the smoker. When someone smokes a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, they draw the smoke into their lungs, which are exposed to a high concentration of toxic chemicals.

  • This direct exposure is the primary cause of numerous smoking-related diseases and health issues.

• Secondhand smoke: Secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is the combination of smoke exhaled by smokers and the smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe.

  • This smoke contains a mix of more than 7,000 mostly toxic and carcinogenic chemicals. When non-smokers and pets breathe in secondhand smoke, they are exposed to these harmful substances, which can have serious health consequences.

• Thirdhand smoke: Thirdhand smoke refers to the residual nicotine and other chemicals that remain on surfaces and in dust long after the smoker has left the area  and the smoke has cleared.

  • These residues can linger for long periods on furniture, walls, carpets, clothing, hair or fur, and other surfaces. Pets can be exposed to these toxins by touching contaminated surfaces, licking their own fur, and breathing in these chemicals.

The risk isn’t limited to tobacco smoke.

Marijuana smoke contains many of the same harmful chemicals as tobacco smoke, as well as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which can impair your pet’s cognitive function and potentially affect their cardiovascular health.

Vaping smoke contains fewer chemicals than tobacco smoke, but still includes harmful substances, such as nicotine and toxic compounds that form during heating. The long-term effects on pets aren’t fully understood, but vaping smoke does pose potential health risks.

Is Secondhand Smoke Dangerous for Pets?

Pets can be exposed to secondhand and thirdhand smoke by inhaling it directly from the air, ingesting smoke particles when they groom themselves, and absorbing smoke particles that settle on their skin and fur.

This exposure increases their risk for numerous health issues, including:

• Respiratory problems

• Cancer

• Allergies

• Skin conditions

• Eye problems

• Heart disease

Effects of Secondhand Smoke on Dogs

Dogs are highly susceptible to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Potential health risks include:

• Respiratory problems: Secondhand smoke can irritate a dog’s respiratory system, leading to coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. Chronic exposure can contribute to or exacerbate asthma and bronchitis.

• Cancer: A study out of Colorado State University demonstrated that dogs exposed to secondhand smoke are at higher risk of developing lung cancer. This especially applies to breeds with shorter nasal passages, while breeds with longer nasal passages (e.g., Collies and German Shepherds) are at increased nasal cancer risk because the smoke particles infiltrate their nasal cavity.

  • Another study, from Purdue University, indicated that the bladder cancer risk for dogs exposed to cigarette smoke increased sixfold.

• Eye conditions: Smoke can cause eye irritation and redness in dogs.

• Skin conditions: The chemicals in smoke can settle on a dog’s fur and skin, leading to irritation and dermatitis.

• Cardiovascular issues: Exposure to secondhand smoke can contribute to cardiovascular problems and increase a dog’s heart disease risk.

Effects of Secondhand Smoke on Cats

Cats who are exposed to smoke face similar health issues as those for dogs, with a high risk for asthma and lung cancer because of their short nose.

Secondhand smoke also doubles a cat’s lymphoma risk, with the rate increasing with the length of time the cat lives in the smoker’s household. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that attacks the lymph nodes and has a poor survival prognosis in cats.

In addition, when cats living in a smoker's home groom themselves, they expose the mucous membranes in their mouth to carcinogens that can cause oral tumors.

Signs that may indicate your cat is affected by secondhand smoke include:

• Persistent coughing or wheezing

• Difficulty breathing

• Increased eye redness or discharge

• Itchy or irritated skin

• Lethargy

• Reduced appetite

• Weight loss

Effects of Secondhand Smoke on Exotic Pets

Secondhand smoke exposure can also have detrimental effects on other household pets.

Ferrets and guinea pigs have sensitive respiratory systems, and smoke exposure can lead to respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and secondary infections.

Rabbits can also experience respiratory complications from smoke exposure, and ingesting smoke particles can disrupt their delicate digestive system, potentially leading to gastrointestinal stasis (digestive system slowdown).

Birds are especially susceptible to health issues associated with secondhand smoke exposure, such as:

• Respiratory issues: Birds have a highly efficient respiratory system and are extremely vulnerable to airborne toxins. Secondhand smoke can cause serious respiratory conditions, such as chronic respiratory disease, pneumonia, or sudden death.

• Feather plucking: Smoke exposure can lead to stress and behavioral issues such as feather plucking. This can result in further health complications like skin infections, feather loss, and even self-mutilation.

• Reproductive problems: Long-term smoke exposure can affect birds’ reproductive health, leading to decreased fertility and egg hatchability.

How To Prevent the Effects of Secondhand Smoke on Pets

The best way to eliminate the risk of secondhand smoke for your pet is for you and/or any other members of your household to quit smoking.

Numerous resources and support systems are available to help smokers quit.

However, if you or a smoker you live with are struggling to quit, other tips to protect your pet from secondhand smoke include:

• Create smoke-free zones: Establish and enforce smoke-free zones in your home, especially in areas such as the living room, bedrooms, and other areas where your pet spends most of their time.

• Smoke outdoors: If possible, ensure all smoking is done outdoors, away from your pet.

• Improve ventilation: Ensure your home is well-ventilated with air purifiers and open windows. However, ventilation alone does not eliminate the risk, so this should not be the sole protective measure.

• Regular cleaning: Clean your home frequently to remove smoke residues. Wash your pet’s bedding, toys, and other items often to eliminate lingering smoke particles.

• Educate: Discuss secondhand smoke risks with family and friends to promote a smoke-free environment.

Secondhand smoke poses significant health risks to pets, potentially leading to issues such as respiratory problems, cancer, and other serious conditions.

It's crucial to maintain a smoke-free environment for your pet’s well-being.