Some of our habits affect our pets more than others, and it’s important to talk about them. Whether you want to eat better or cut out bad habits, there are ways to bring your pet into the fold with these endeavors. Today, we want to talk about smoking. Animals, like humans, can be adversely affected by secondhand smoke, and it’s important to keep it away from them!

Recent research has shown just how bad the effects of secondhand smoke can be on our pets.

According to Professor Clare Knottenbelt of the University of Glasgow, “Our findings show that exposure to smoke in the home is having a direct impact on pets. It risks ongoing cell damage, increasing weight gain after castration and has previously been shown to increase the risk of certain cancers.”

Victoria Smith, a veterinarian who is actively investigating the link between smoking and lymphoma in pets, says, “Our work so far has shown that cats take in significant amounts of smoke, and even having outdoor access makes very little difference.”

The same study from the University of Glasgow found that a gene that acts as a marker of cell damage was higher in dogs living in homes where people smoke than those in homes with no smokers.

We just wanted to relay some information that if you do smoke, it’s important to do it away from your pet, and away from their area in which they live. They’ll be very happy you did, and they’ll live a much longer, healthier life because of it! The entire South Shore Veterinary Hospital team wishes you best of luck with your New Year’s Resolutions!