Smoking at home puts your pets at risk of CANCER and WEIGHT GAIN, scientists warn

STUBBING out this bad habit could pay dividends for your pets health, according to a UK-based study.

 

Scientists warn that smoking could put pets at risk of cancer and weight gain

 

The latest research has revealed there might be another incentive to stop smoking for your New Year’s resolution.

Scientists discovered this unhealthy habit not only affects your health, but that of your pets.

Smoking households put cats and dogs at risk of cell damage, some CANCERS and even weight gain.

 

The research even went so far as to suggest pets are at a GREATER risk of health problems caused by smoke exposure than young children. 

Due to their height, pets ingest third-hand smoke (tobacco chemicals present in carpets and other surfaces) more easily.

The team found that cats are more at risk from adverse health, because they asborb more smoke than their canine counterparts - even though they often have more access to the fresh air outdoors.

Scientists believe this could be due to the amount of toxins cats ingest as they groom.

 

Researchers found evidence of cell damage with dogs

 

Neutered dogs were also more susceptible to weight-gain than dogs living in non-smoking households.

The research also identified signs of cell damage in the testicles of dogs from houses where owners smoked.

For the study, the team analysed the nicotine levels in the animals’ fur and whether these levels impact the pets health. 

Reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke, as well as smoking outside reduced the risk of health damage.

 

The only way to avoid the health risks is to quit smoking or not smoke indoors, say scientists

 

However, owners who reduced the number of cigarettes they smoked still put cats at risk. Stopping smoking completely is best for pets health, advised the researchers.

Clare Knottenbelt, professor of small animal medicine and oncology at the University of Glasgow in the UK, said: “As well as the risk to the smoker, there is the danger of secondhand smoke to others. Pet owners often do not think about the impact that smoking could have on their pets.

"Whilst you can reduce the amount of smoke your pet is exposed to by smoking outdoors and by reducing the number of tobacco products smoked by the members of the household, stopping smoking completely is the best option for your pet's future health and well-being."