The Hidden Dangers of Secondhand Smoke to Pets: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

This pet health content was written by a veterinarian, Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD. It was last reviewed on October 1, 2024

New Year’s Resolution: Quit Smoking for Your Pet’s Health

Looking for some New Year’s resolution ideas? Quitting smoking is a pretty good one. It’s also probably one of the hardest things some of you will ever try to do.

If saving your own life isn’t enough of a reason, consider saving your pet’s life. The effects of secondhand smoke to pets are serious and wide-reaching.

• Secondhand smoke leads to numerous diseases and cancers in pets.
• Every year, we learn more about how secondhand smoke worsens existing health conditions.
• Pets living in smoking households are constantly exposed to harmful chemicals.

Smoke Poisons Your Pet’s Health

Secondhand smoke to pets includes exhaled tobacco smoke in the air of your home. Thirdhand smoke, meanwhile, is the residue clinging to you, your clothes, and every surface. This smoke also permeates your pets’ fur and feathers, exposing them to harmful chemicals. Learn more about the effects of secondhand and thirdhand smoke on pets.

• Cigarettes release over 7,000 chemicals when lit.
• The FDA’s list of harmful toxins includes arsenic, lead, formaldehyde, and uranium.
• These toxins cling to surfaces and are inhaled or ingested by pets.

The highest concentration of these harmful compounds settles in your carpets, rugs, and furniture—where pets spend most of their time.

Additionally, pets absorb thirdhand smoke by licking smokers or being held against smokers’ clothes, giving them a dangerous dose of toxins. The risk of arsenic poisoning in pets is just one example of how hazardous these toxins can be.

When pets from smoking households come to the vet, they often smell strongly of smoke. As a veterinarian, I experience this firsthand and recognize the danger the pet’s life is in. Learn more about what it’s like to be a veterinary technician.

The Dangers of Secondhand Vaping to Pets

In addition to the risks of secondhand smoke to pets, secondhand vaping also poses significant health threats. E-cigarettes release aerosols containing harmful chemicals like nicotine and heavy metals, which can negatively affect pets. Here are the dangers of secondhand vaping to pets:

• Pets exposed to vaping aerosols may develop respiratory issues and skin conditions.
• Ingesting e-liquid from e-cigarettes can lead to nicotine poisoning in pets.
• Heavy metals and chemicals in the vapor can contribute to long-term health problems.
• Pets may accidentally ingest harmful substances from e-cigarette devices.

Although vaping might seem like a safer alternative to smoking, it still exposes pets to harmful chemicals that can lead to severe health issues.

Tips for Creating a Smoke-Free Environment for Your Pets

Creating a smoke-free environment is crucial for keeping your pets healthy. Here are some steps you can take to eliminate the risks of secondhand smoke to pets:

• Designate an outdoor smoking area to keep your home smoke-free.
• Wear a “smoking jacket” and remove it before coming indoors to avoid thirdhand smoke exposure.
• Regularly clean surfaces, carpets, and furniture where smoke residue might linger.
• Use air purifiers and ensure proper ventilation throughout your home.

By implementing these tips, you can significantly reduce your pet’s exposure to harmful smoke.

For more tips and insights on keeping your pets safe, visit Petful’s collection of articles for additional pet health and wellness advice.

Risks to Pets in Smoking Households

While research into smoking’s effects on humans is extensive, it’s clear that pets exposed to cigarette smoke face serious health risks, including cancers and respiratory conditions.

• Nasal and lung cancer in dogs:
  Long-nosed breeds, like Dobermans and Greyhounds, living in a smoker’s home are at double the risk for nose cancer compared to those in smoke-free homes. Short- and medium-nosed breeds are more likely to develop lung cancer, as smoke particles bypass the nasal cavity and reach the lungs directly. Read more about lung cancer in dogs.
• Oral cancer in cats:
  Cats, known for their grooming habits, are 2-4 times more likely to develop aggressive oral cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma, if they live with smokers. These tumors often make it impossible for them to eat, leading to a poor prognosis within months.
• Lymphoma in cats:
  One of the first proven links between smoking and disease in pets is feline lymphoma. Cats in households where more than a pack of cigarettes is smoked daily are 3 times more likely to develop this disease, which typically requires aggressive chemotherapy.
• Birds:
  Birds exposed to cigarette smoke can develop sinus, eye, lung, skin, and heart problems. Feather plucking is also common in affected birds.
• Pocket pets:
  Small animals, like hamsters and guinea pigs, suffer from lung changes similar to humans. Their smaller lung capacity makes them highly vulnerable to toxic insults, leading to weight loss and sickness.
• Fish:
  A recent study found that a single cigarette butt dropped into a fish tank with young minnows killed half the fish within 96 hours.
• Exacerbation of existing diseases:
  Pets suffering from allergies or conditions like asthma and collapsing trachea often find their symptoms worsened by cigarette smoke. Read about how smoke can worsen pet allergies and respiratory issues.

Although much remains unknown, it’s common sense to assume that other cancers and health problems may be linked to secondhand and thirdhand smoke.

Protecting Pets from Smoke in Multi-Unit Housing

Pets living in multi-unit housing, such as apartments or condos, may be exposed to secondhand smoke from neighboring units. Here are a few ways to protect your pets from this hidden danger:

• Ensure proper ventilation in your home to reduce the buildup of secondhand smoke.
• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to help remove harmful smoke particles.
• Seal any gaps or cracks where smoke may enter from neighboring units.
• Speak with property managers about creating smoke-free housing policies to protect pets.

Multi-unit living can make it difficult to shield pets from secondhand smoke, but taking these steps can help minimize the risks.

If you’re searching for smoke-free, pet-friendly living arrangements, consider exploring pet-friendly apartments to ensure a healthier environment for your furry companions.

Compassion for Smokers

Addiction experts confirm that quitting smoking may be one of the hardest addictions to overcome. Many people want to quit but find it incredibly difficult.

One simple way to help protect your pets from the effects of secondhand smoke is by adopting a “smoking jacket” routine:

• Wear an old jacket or coat designated for smoking, and only wear it outside.
• Smoke outside the house, on the porch, or in a designated smoking area.
• Keep the jacket away from pets, children, and others inside your home to prevent thirdhand smoke from spreading indoors.

By taking these steps, you can help protect your pets and loved ones from harmful smoke exposure—both in the new year and in the future.

Thirdhand Smoke and Its Lingering Effects on Household Pets

Thirdhand smoke, which consists of residue left behind by tobacco smoke, can cling to surfaces and fabrics. It also lingers on your pet’s fur, increasing their exposure to toxins. Here’s how thirdhand smoke affects pets:

• Thirdhand smoke particles cling to furniture, carpets, and pet fur, leading to prolonged exposure.
• Pets that groom themselves are likely to ingest nicotine and other toxic residues.
• This lingering smoke can cause respiratory and skin issues, as well as long-term health problems.

By being aware of thirdhand smoke, pet owners can take steps to minimize their pets’ exposure to these harmful toxins.

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