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The link between pets and secondhand smoke
Secondhand smoke is undoubtedly dangerous, as tobacco combustion produces smoke containing chemicals associated with cancer, respiratory diseases, and more. Over the years, we have seen an increasing number of laws enacted to restrict smoking in public places. Undeniably, this is a step in the right direction, but can we do more?
You will find that not only humans are affected by the risks of secondhand smoke, but also your beloved pets could be at risk. From dogs to rabbits, cats, and birds; all animals are in danger when exposed to secondhand smoke. Unfortunately, when it comes to animals being exposed to secondhand smoke, there is no legal jurisdiction. Pets living in households where their owners smoke or being transported in smoking vehicles have not been deemed a criminal offense. For years, veterinarians and animal public health agencies have been calling for change and asking pet owners to take responsibility. Cigarettes pose various dangers to animals, and the impact differs for each species. It's not just the lit cigarette that constitutes a threat; tobacco itself is toxic and can be fatal if ingested, especially when not promptly detected. As pets are often in close proximity to their owners, they are at risk of secondhand smoke. Animals like dogs and cats tend to stay as close to their owners as possible. The risk also increases for caged animals or those living in aquariums as they cannot leave the room.
Effects of smoking on your pets
Tips and tricks for vaping around pets
Electronic cigarettes have been proven to be an effective smoking cessation method, garnering increasing support from institutions such as the UK Cancer Research Center and the Royal College of Physicians, backed by a milestone study conducted by Public Health England in 2014. Research shows that electronic cigarettes are 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes, which is great news for humans. However, what about animals, especially our pets?
Let's consider Dr. Jane Bellos' confirmation that human lungs are "almost identical" to those of cats and dogs, and that electronic cigarette kits do not contain the tar and carcinogens found in traditional cigarettes. This results in a device that produces no secondhand or thirdhand smoke. If we take short-term and mid-term studies into account, switching to electronic cigarette kits can not only benefit you but also your pets and loved ones – a highly persuasive argument.
When using electronic cigarettes around pets, it's essential to be attentive to their reactions to the vapor. Some scents may cause them to behave oddly, while particularly strong odors might be off-putting. To begin, we recommend starting with simple flavors like fruit or mint. Responsible storage and use of electronic cigarette kits are always encouraged. While the vapor form (vaporization) of e-liquid is safe for inhalation, the liquid form containing nicotine is toxic to both humans and animals. Hence, we advise keeping the devices and e-liquids out of sight and reach of animals at all times.xxnx