| Article 3: Second Hand Smoke and your Dog |
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Second Hand Smoke and your Dog
In spite of what cigarette companies say, we all know it.
Smoking is a serious health problem. Some people consider it
child abuse to smoke in the same room as children. Second hand
smoke can be as deadly if not more so than actually puffing on a
cigarette. People, especially children, have little say in the
matter. Although laws and restrictions continue to improve the
situation, there are still problems. There are also areas where
research has yet to extend beyond the surface. Of particular
concern to dog owners is the issue of second hand smoke and its
impact on their pet.
Can secondhand smoke affect your favorite canine? This is a
matter under investigation. The first study dates from 1992.
More recently, others have begun to accumulate data. You, as a
pet owner, should take to heart the questions these studies
raise. Your dog has no choice but to breathe in the same air as
you. When you omit toxic chemicals into your environment, you
are forcing the same materials into the lungs of your dog.
While it is true dogs are closer to the ground than taller
living beings, this will not allow them to escape the
smoke of cigarettes or cigars. While the air around them may not
have as high a rate of toxicity, the carpet they lie in may
actually have higher levels. As anyone who smokes or knows
smokers is aware, the odor clings to carpets, rugs, clothing and
the physical space. Your dog lies on the carpet. He or she gets
to breathe in all the smoke and its components after it sinks
down and settles there.
Dogs may actually suffer from a triple whammy. They breathe in
second-hand smoke directly as they sit, lie or walk beside their
smoking person. They obtain further toxins when they absorb the
smoke and chemicals from chairs, furniture, carpets and other
materials conducive to acting like a sponge. Dogs also may
suffer because of a habit. Dogs clean themselves. As a result,
they ingest the chemical toxins.
Dogs with owners who smoke are at a heightened risk for several
health problems. These include
• Respiratory infections
• Asthma
• Lymphoma
• Cancers of various types. For some long-muzzled dogs, nasal
cancer is of serious concern. The incidence rate jumps by 60% if
the dogs live with a smoker.
Vet studies are underway to research the links between poor dog
health and second hand smoke. The anecdotal evidence, however,
seems to indicate there is a link. Dogs who belong to owners who
smoke, are more prone to certain illnesses.
Moreover, cancer does not seem to care about the shape of a
dog’s nose. While Greyhounds, Collies and German Shepherds with
their long noses, may be prone to nasal cancer, short muzzled
dogs are not free from cancers caused by passive smoke. Dogs
like pugs and bulldogs may actually be at high risk. They have
less effective means of filtering out the toxic chemicals.
If you put together the anecdotal and the medical evidence, the
result is clear. Smoking is bad for both you and your pet. If
you want to help your pet live a long healthy life, do this.
Stop smoking now. If you cannot, take it outside and away from
your dog.
Article provided by Joe Cooper of
www.ohmydogsupplies.com, where you can find a incredible selection of
interactive dog toys online. |
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