Passive Smoking Problematic for Pets
The Professor of Small Animal Medicine and Oncology at the University of Glasgow's Small Animal Hospital will address the effect of second-hand smoke on animals in a seminar hosted by the NHS.
Professor Clare Knottenbelt will speak about the research and mounting evidence which shows how damaging second-hand smoke is to the health of pets at a seminar on the 26th October, held by NHS Ayrshire & Arran.
Professor Knottenbelt said: "We are all aware of the risks to our health of smoking. As well as the risk to the smoker, there is the danger of second-hand smoke to others, including chldren, but pets are also at risk too."
She drew attention to several published studies which have shown increased risk of lymphoma and oral cancer in cats, and an increased risk of lung, nasal and sinus cancer in dogs.
Professor Knottenbelt added: "While veterinary medicine is advancing all the time and we have the ability to treat some cancers in pets, it is expensive and provides no guarantees of long-term survival."
"The best way of avoiding damage to your pet's health is not to smoke around them - or better still, to give up."
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
