THIS Wednesday is National No Smoking Day and PDSA is giving animal lovers an extra reason to quit this year – for the sake of their pet’s health.

The effects of second-hand smoke on humans are well known, and sadly many of us may know of friends and family that have been affected in this way. However, the effects of passive smoking on our pets is something that smokers often don’t consider.

A direct link between the effects of pets living in a smoking environment and an increased risk of health problems has recently been discovered by the University of Glasgow.

Researchers studying the effects of smoking and the health impact it has on family pets say that animals who are exposed to smoke are at a higher risk of developing some cancers, ongoing cell damage and in certain cases, even weight gain.

PDSA vet Vicki Larkham-Jones said: “Prolonged exposure to smoking can cause chronic breathing difficulties or cancer in pets as well as people. So we are urging owners to think about their four-legged friend’s health as well as their own before they light up.”

Different pets are affected in different ways by the effects of passive smoking. Dogs are prone to smoking-related breathing problems and there are links between smoke and nasal and sinus cancers, which are extremely difficult to treat.

Cats’ grooming habits mean that once smoke has landed on their fur, they often lick off the cancer-causing chemicals. In addition to cats and dogs, cigarette smoke can also be harmful to pet birds and small pets like guinea pigs, as they have very sensitive respiratory systems.

Vicki added: “The effects of second-hand smoke can develop into long-term problems that are just as serious in pets as in people. This means that owners may have an added incentive to give up.”

Smoking outside will lessen the secondary effects on your pets, especially if they are a reasonable distance away from you, but will not eliminate the risk completely. Be sure to dispose of butts safely as ingested nicotine and tobacco can be poisonous to animals – and sometimes even fatal. The signs of poisoning, such as vomiting, lack of coordination, tremors, weakness and fits, can happen just 15 minutes after eating the tobacco.

If going outside is not an option, try to smoke in a room that is pet-free and keep the room well ventilated. Be sure to clear ashtrays and make sure any e-cigarettes and nicotine-replacement therapy products are well out of the reach of your pet.