Smokers more likely to quit for their pet's health than their own

Smokers are more likely to kick the habit to safeguard their pet's health than their own, US researchers say.

A survey of 3,300 pet owners found 28% of those who smoked would try to quit when told about the effects of passive smoking on their pets.

Other research has found exposure to smoke is linked with some cancers and other health problems in cats and dogs.



Yet few smokers realise the impact their habit has on their pets, the researchers wrote in Tobacco Control.

Several studies have linked smoke exposure with lymphoma in cats and nasal and lung cancer in dogs, the researchers said.

There have also been reports of allergic reactions in dogs, eye disease, respiratory problems and skin problems in birds and oral cancer in cats.

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