We know that smoking puts people at risk for serious oral health and respiratory cancers, but now a new study finds that smokers are also putting their pets in jeopardy.
In fact, experts claims that passive smoking is even more harmful to pets than it is to humans.
(RELATED: 5 Ways Smoking Will Ruin Your Looks)
Smoking Affects Dogs and Cats in Different Ways
Research suggests the cancer-causing chemicals contained in cigarettes affect different animals in different ways.
The grooming habits of cats mean they lick the fumes that stick to their fur, increasing their risk of mouth cancers. Dogs are prone to breathing problems and difficult-to-treat nasal and sinus cancers.
Problems range from issues like asthma and chronic coughing through to fatal conditions, such as cancers like lymphoma.
Animal advocates are also warning about the dangers of e-cigarette cartridges, which could poison animals if they are chewed or swallowed.
(RELATED: What’s Gum Disease and When Does it Become a Problem?)
Even More Reasons to Quit Smoking
Tobacco consumption is the leading cause of oral cancer. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, smoking and chewing tobacco causes more than 5-million deaths a year. In addition to health issues, smoke may also…
- Dull your sense of taste and smell.
- Give you bad breath.
- Delay tooth adjustments with orthodontic work.
- Delay healing after oral surgery.
- Promote tooth decay.
- Contribute to receding gums.
- Stain your teeth and tongue yellow.
If you smoke, ask yourself this: Is it worth it?
Talk to us about concerns you may have regarding your smoking habits. It may surprise you to discover that we are sympathetic to your situation and may be able to help you with alternatives and solutions regarding your overall oral health.
(RELATED: Experts Say E-cigarettes Risks Just as Harmful as Tobacco)