How Secondhand and Thirdhand Smoke Affects Your Pet

If you smoke, chances are you understand the health issues that are often associated with it. However, if you’re both a smoker and a pet parent, have you considered how the habit impacts your pet?

According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) veterinarian Carmela Stamper, D.V. M., the news is not too positive. "Smoking's not only harmful to people; it's harmful to pets, too," Stamper says. "If 58 million non-smoking adults and children are exposed to tobacco smoke, imagine how many pets are exposed at the same time."

Both second-hand and thirdhand smoke harm pets. Second-hand smoke is present in the air when you smoke (also known as passive smoke), which your pet then breathes in. Thirdhand smoke refers to the residue the smoke leaves behind; compounds like nicotine can linger on surfaces like skin, clothes, furniture, carpets, and other possessions that may be in the room while you smoke.

"Like children, dogs and cats spend a lot of time on or near the floor, where tobacco smoke residue concentrates in house dust, carpets and rugs. Then, it gets on their fur," Stamper explains. "Dogs, cats and children not only breathe these harmful substances in, but pets can also ingest them by licking their owner's hair, skin, and clothes." 

The effects of smoke on an animal’s body are significant; smoke leads to a higher risk of nose or lung cancers and can even affect animals like pet fish. Given the significant impact second-hand and thirdhand smoke has on your pet, it is best to consider the implications of this activity and avoid smoking around them.