Second Hand Smoke Kills Cats

Here’s great news if you are looking for motivation to quit smoking. When people smoke in their homes, their pets take in second hand smoke just like non-smoking people would. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is finally making an effort recently to make smokers aware that their habit hurts not only themselves and their families, but their pets as well. This reinforces what holistic veterinarians have been saying for years.

Most folks are aware of the scientific research that shows that people who smoke are more likely to get certain types of cancer and other diseases, but a lot of people don’t know that the same goes for the pets of smokers.

It has been known for several years that cats who live with smokers are twice as likely to develop malignant lymphoma — fatal to three out of four cats within a year — and are more likely to get mouth cancer. Second-hand smoke doubles the risk of lung cancer in dogs with short noses and it puts long-nosed dogs, such as Collies, at 2.5 times greater risk of contracting nasal cancer.

In my practice lots of folks who are not very alternative or natural or holistic minded are motivated to become so after seeing success in their pets on treatment. Perhaps this info, too, will motivate smoking pet owners to get a little more healthier! One can only hope! Spread the word!