Does your dog have a smoking habit? Second hand smoke hurts our pups too!!!
Almost everyone has seen the pictures of the pool and poker playing pups complete with drinks and smokes. As far fetched as it seems, our dogs could be considered smokers if they are unfortunate enough to live with an owner who smokes in the house. Our pets are as subject to second hand smoke as we are and the effects could be just as devastating.
A study by Colorado State University found that dogs exposed to ETS (Environmental Tabacco Smoke) led to a higher rate of sinus and nasal cavity cancerous tumors than for dogs in nonsmoking households. The incidence was found to be higher in long nosed dogs such as collies rather than small or medium sized snout canines. Second hand smoke is usually inhaled through the nose by dogs, and with long nosed dogs, there is more of an opportunity for carcinogens that are inhaled to be deposited in the nasal and sinus passages. It appears that short and medium nosed dogs that are subject to ETS have a higher rate of lung cancer, because the second hand smoke makes it way to the lungs before it can be deposited long term in the nasal system.
It is unfair to burden our dogs with the effects of second hand smoke. If it is a habit that a dog owner has, please be dog and people sensitive and smoke outside away from your family and your pets!!! Better yet, quit, save some money and give your dog and your family a wonderful gift…more time with a healthier you!!!!
September 19th, 2007 at 9:31 am
How True! you’re exactly right! I just love reading your articles. You are an honest writer, even about our lovely pets.