Why quitting smoking is the ultimate positive action – Lifestyle News

Passive smoking is not only harmful to humans, but it also poses serious risks to pets, which is why many pet owners are quitting smoking to improve their pets' health. Research from the University of Glasgow has found a direct correlation between a smoking environment and higher health risks to animals, including cancer, cell damage, and weight gain.

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“Pets are harmed by exposure to smoke,” said Claire Nottenbelt, professor of small animal medicine and oncology at the University's Small Animal Hospital, “but over time it causes more cell damage, leads to more rapid weight gain after neutering, and increases susceptibility to certain types of cancer.”

Veterinarians have long warned about the dangers of secondhand smoke for pets. Common problems include respiratory diseases, allergies and increased cancer rates. Grooming habits and small pets are particularly vulnerable because they are exposed to residues on their fur and skin.

Riya Singh of Delhi Resident Liya has two cats. One of them, Tofu, started coughing and wheezing. Liya took her pet to the vet, who told her that passive smoking was the cause of her cat's illness. “My father is a smoker, and I noticed that it was affecting my cat's health,” Liya said. “My father always smokes outside, and this discovery has made him realise that he smokes, and I think now he wants to quit too.”

“Pets who live in households with smokers are three times more likely to develop lung and nasal cancer, heart diseases and respiratory problems. These animals often exhibit symptoms like coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing,” explained Dr Riyaz Khan, veterinary consultant, RK Wellness Pet Clinic, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi.

Nottenbelt noted that cats were particularly vulnerable in homes where smoking was present, as their intensive self-grooming behaviour increases the amount of smoke they absorb.

Rakesh, who prefers to be known by his first name, is a dog owner who noticed his golden retriever, Anna, was suffering from breathing difficulties and lack of energy. After two years of quitting smoking, Rakesh noticed a significant improvement in Anna's overall health. She also had more energy. “Anna became a more playful, energetic woman,” he says. “It was clear that quitting smoking had made a big difference for her.”

Toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke, including nicotine, are harmful to pets. These substances can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, nasal cancer, and heart disease. When pets groom themselves frequently, they increase their intake of these toxins, further exacerbating their health risks.

“Pets exposed to smoke and smoke residue can suffer breathing problems, eye irritation and skin irritation. Curious pets can become seriously ill and require emergency veterinary treatment if they ingest cigarette butts, nicotine gum or patches,” Dr Khan said.

The study also found that when owners reduced the total number of cigarettes smoked in the household to fewer than 10 cigarettes per day, nicotine levels in pets' hair dropped significantly, but were still higher than those in pets from non-smoking households.

“While you can reduce the amount of smoke your pet is exposed to by smoking outdoors and reducing the number of tobacco products your household smokes, quitting smoking altogether is the best choice for your pet's future health and well-being,” Notenbelt added.

“Quitting smoking is one of the best things pet owners can do for their pet's health. There are many resources available to help people quit smoking, which can be beneficial for both owners and their pets,” says Dr. Khan.

Quitting smoking is not only good for your own health, but also for your pets. As awareness of the dangers of second-hand smoke increases, more and more pet owners are finding new reasons to quit smoking in order to provide a healthier environment for their beloved pets.