Passive smoking 'can give pets cancer'

Pet owners have been urged to smoke outside so they do not harm their dog or cat.

Pets can develop cancer if they breathe in cigarette smoke passed on by humans.

Veterinary journalist Pete Wedderburn explained this is a real issue in the UK and pet owners should light up outside instead of in their house to avoid the problem.

Cats can develop cancer of the mouth because of the way they groom themselves, he pointed out.

If the animal has been in a smoke-filled room carcinogens will get caught on its fur before being transferred into its mouth and leading to potential illness.

Furthermore, research shows exposure to cigarette smoke can lead to an increased risk of malignant lymphoma among cats, Mr Wedderburn continued.

"That's going to be enhanced with a cat living in a smoker's household," he added.

Pets could also develop cancer from inhaling cigarette smoke, but giving them a high-quality cat or dog food that is rich in protein could go some way to preventing the disease, California Veterinary Medical Association member and director of the California Veterinary Specialists Angel Care Cancer Center Dr Gregory Ogilvie told Canine Cancer.

Posted by Gemma Gamble
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Wednesday, 28 Mar 2012, 4:39pm