Pets passively smoke 3,285 cigarettes a year. Consider giving up for Stoptober
The impact that smoking cigarettes has on human health is well documented, but it’s easy to overlook the affect it can have on pets.
Unfortunately, the truth is that cats living with smokers are about twice as likely to develop a malignant lymphoma, while dogs that live with smokers are 60% more likely to develop lung cancer.
78%
were aware that their smoking habit could be harmful to their pets
52%
of those that smoke said their pets spend 23 hours or more at home
20%
admit their cat or dog has even eaten cigarettes or smoking-related items in the past, including e-cigarettes
This month marks ‘Stoptober’, the NHS campaign encouraging smokers to quit for 28 days. Our research shows that, shockingly, pets passively smoke about 3,285 cigarettes each year, with smokers who own pets using an average of nine cigarettes in their home each day
This month marks ‘Stoptober’, the NHS campaign encouraging smokers to quit for 28 days
With pets spending most of their time at home, the chemicals and bacteria released by smoking indoors can linger in the air and cause respiratory problems or cancer. These animals are not only inhaling smoke, nicotine and carcinogens can also get trapped in their fur, meaning they then digest these harmful substances when grooming themselves.
On the plus side, more than 68% of pet owners who smoke said they would consider giving up if it made their pet ill. Sadly, by that point it could already be too late, so the best option is to take action as early as possible.
Our pets contribute so much to our lives, so it is important that we thank them by doing our best to keep them happy and healthy. For more information and support on methods for stopping or reducing the amount you smoke, please head to the Stoptober website.
