Passive smoking is a problem for pets too, says vet

The dangers of passive smoking in people are well known, but how does it affect our pets?. Clare Knottenbelt, Professor of Small Animal Medicine and Oncology at the University of Glasgow's Small Animal Hospital, says second-hand smoke causes health problems in animals too. She will address a seminar on second-hand smoke being held by NHS Ayrshire & Arran on Wednesday 26 October aimed at encouraging people to create a smoke-free atmosphere in their homes to protect the health of children and other relatives. Knottenbelt will speak about the research and mounting evidence which shows how damaging second-hand smoke is to the health of pets. Knottenbelt said: "We are all aware of the risks to our health of smoking and it is important we do everything we can to encourage people to stop smoking. BBC News Online: Pets 'at risk' from home smoking "As well as the risk to the smoker, there is the danger of second-hand smoke to others, including children, but pets are also at risk too. "Several published studies have shown increased risk of lymphoma and oral cancer in cats, and an increased risk of lung, nasal and sinus cancer in dogs.