RandyW Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 Several studies done in recent years have shown the serious side effects that secondhand smoke also has on pets who live in smoking households. Research done at Tufts University and the University of Massachusetts demonstrated a direct link between the number of smokers living in a home and the incidence of lymphoma, or lymph node cancer, in cats. Cats exposed to secondhand smoke developed lymphoma twice as often as cats in smoke-free homes. In cats that lived with smokers for five years or more, the risk was tripled. In houses with two smokers, the risk increased four times. Three out of four cats that have lymphoma die within the first year of diagnosis. This study also showed a strong correlation between smoke exposure and an oral cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, in cats. Because cats groom themselves often, they lick the carcinogens that have been deposited on their fur. Daily grooming through a long period of time exposes the mouth to a large number of carcinogens, making oral cancer more likely. Squamous cell carcinoma is an aggressive and painful disease. Another study done at Colorado State University showed that dogs exposed to secondhand smoke were 1.6 times more likely to get cancer. In dogs with long noses, the most common type of cancer associated with secondhand smoke was nasal cancer. This is thought to be caused by the larger surface area on which carcinogens can be deposited before reaching the lungs in dogs with long noses. In short-nosed dogs, lung cancer was seen most often. Shorter nasal passages mean more carcinogens make their way to the lungs in short-nosed dogs. Dogs diagnosed with nasal cancer generally do not live longer than a year. Birds are especially susceptible to the effects of smoke because of their sensitive respiratory systems. Secondhand smoke causes lung irritations that can lead to pneumonia and lung cancer, heart disease, infertility and eye problems. Contact dermatitis can occur when birds come in contact with objects that are contaminated with smoke residue. Some people will smoke outside to reduce the exposure of the other people and pets in their home. Although this is much better than smoking in the house, it doesn’t solve all the problems associated with secondhand smoke. Clothes and skin retain smoke residue, and, when your pet interacts closely with you, it will contact these areas. If your pet is allergic to cigarette smoke, this can cause a reaction and manifestation of allergy symptoms. The facts are irrefutable. If you care about your pet - and yourself - stop smoking today. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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