Another smoking drawback .... it harms pets too

Pet owners who love a puff are putting their animals at significant risk due to the effects of passive smoke, according to vetshopaustralia.

VetshopAustralia.com.au managing director, Mark Perissinotto, said second hand smoke was as dangerous for cats and dogs as it was for humans, providing an even greater incentive to stamp out the habit.

“Research by institutions including Tuft College of Veterinary Medicine and Oklahoma State University have shown that exposing pets to passive smoke greatly increased their cancer risk,’’ Dr Perissinotto said.

“Studies demonstrate that contact with passive smoking made cats up to twice as likely to develop mouth cancer compared to those living in a smoke-free environment.

“And dogs in regular contact with smokers were also much more prone to canine asthma and nasal and lung cancer than their clean-air counterparts.
“Because cats and dogs have such highly developed sensory organs, the toxic impacts of passive smoking can be magnified. Their self grooming nature also means they can ingest more poison than just breathing passive smoke from the air,’’ he said.

VetshopAustralia.com.au said puppies were at greater risk to the dangers of second hand smoke because of their weaker immune systems. Other pets including birds, guinea pigs and rabbits were also prone to the pitfalls of passive smoke.

“For personal health reasons as well as for their pets’ wellbeing, the best option is for smokers to quit.

“At the very least, smoking should be limited to outdoor areas or rooms where the pets don’t live,’’ Dr Perissinotto said.

ENDS

Further inquiries: Dr Mark Perissinotto BVSc: 07 5453 4840

VetShopAustralia employs fully qualified, licensed, practicing veterinary surgeons and animal health professionals to carefully check all the pet products sold to ensure that quality is not just a promise but a reality.

Since the beginning, VetShopAustralia is a Vet-owned and Vet-operated online pet store for pet supplies. On top of our promise to deliver top quality products, our sales support services are backed by Vets. You will have peace of mind knowing that you will receive quality sales and service.

VetShopAustralia.com.au
PO BOX 5007,
SCMC QLD,
Australia 4560.

Main Customer Service Line: 1300 VETSHOP (1 300 838 7467)
Customer Service - other Lines: 07 5453 4840, 07 5453 7103 and 07 3102 9774
Customer Service Fax: 07 5456 4325

Press Contact: Jemma Lenton
email: jemma.lenton@vetshoponline.com

This release was published on openPR.