Secondhand Smoke and Pets

How smoking puts your pet's health at risk

Your pet depends on you to keep them safe—but smoking around them can put their health at risk. From toxin-covered fur to nicotine poisoning, the risks are real—even if you smoke outside. 

Secondhand smoke is the smoke breathed out by a smoker, or the smoke that comes out of the burning end of a cigarette. This smoke, that others breathe in, contains chemicals that are harmful for both human and animal health.

Pets are also at risk from third-hand smoke - the residue left behind on furniture, rugs, clothes, and even fur. This residue can be breathed in or swallowed by pets through licking and grooming.

Electronic Cigarettes

Studies have shown that the aerosol from electronic cigarettes (ie. vapes) may expose pets to excessive amounts of nicotine and other toxic chemicals, like formaldehyde. This can lead to:

• Breathing problems

• Certain cancers, like lung, sinus, and nasal cavity

• Ingested toxins through grooming.

The risk of nicotine poisoning from these devices and liquids can be higher due to the flavourings.

How secondhand and thirdhand smoke harm pets

Dogs exposed to secondhand smoke may have more eye infections, allergies, and breathing problems, including nose and lung cancer.

Cats exposed to secondhand smoke are at greater risk of asthma, lung cancer, and lymphoma (cancer of the immune system). Cats can develop tumours in their mouths from licking off toxic residue that collects on their fur from smoke.

Other pets, such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even fish are at risk of poor health outcomes when exposed to secondhand smoke. 

How pets get nicotine poisoning—and what to watch for

Pets can consume nicotine in many ways, like eating cigarettes and/or butts, drinking vape liquid, or chewing on vapes and cartridges.

Even small amounts of nicotine can be deadly for pets. Just one cigarette—or even a used butt—can contain enough nicotine to cause serious harm or even death, especially for smaller animals

Watch for these signs of nicotine poisoning in pets—symptoms can appear quickly and may be life-threatening:

• Vomiting

• Drooling

• Tiredness or weakness

• Unsteady walking

• Shaking or trembling

• Fast heart rate

• Seizures

• Loss of consciousness.

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic as soon as possible.

What you can do

One of the best things you can do for your pet’s health is to quit smoking or vaping.This is the most effective way to protect your pets from secondhand and thirdhand smoke exposure. You can get free nicotine replacement therapy (like patches, gum and lozenges) and counselling to help you quit. Find a program here: Hamilton.ca/quitsmoking

If you’re not ready to quit yet, here are some steps you can take to reduce your pet’s risk:

• Make your home and car smoke-free

• Wash your hands and change your clothes after smoking—especially if your pet licks you

• Keep all tobacco and nicotine products (including cigarettes, ashtrays, and vapes) out of reach of pets.

Making small changes—or quitting altogether—can go a long way in protecting your beloved pet’s health and giving you both a longer, healthier life together.