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Animals at risk from secondhand smoke  

Secondhand smoke from cigarettes is known to cause health problems in people, but it's also a significant medical concern for animals.

Dogs and cats that are exposed to smoke can develop asthma, respiratory inflammation and respiratory infections. Symptoms include congestion, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance and coughing. Lung changes can be identified on chest X-rays. Secondhand smoke has also been linked to the development of many types of cancer in animals, including oral, nasal and respiratory neoplasia.

Consumption of tobacco products is toxic for animals. Tobacco leaves, cigars, cigarettes, cigarette butts, chew and any smoking aids containing nicotine such as gum or patches are dangerous. The signs of poisoning occur within an hour of ingestion, and depend upon the size of your pet and the amount of nicotine consumed. One to two cigarettes can be deadly for a dog that weighs 10 pounds or less.

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