Smoking near animals is vet's pet hate

An American study reveals a strong link between second-hand smoke and cancer in household animals.

The research showed dogs, cats and birds were developing virulent cancers and dying from exposure to their owners' cigarette smoke. The study revealed passive smoking could trigger lymphoma and deadly oral, lung and nasal cancers.

Cats were twice as likely to get lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes, while dogs were at risk of lung and nasal cancers.

Dr Mark Robson of Auckland's Veterinary Specialist Group said Kiwi owners often were not aware they were endangering their pets.

"Second-hand smoking is a risk," Robson told Sunday News. "While New Zealand hasn't done a significant study, we are seeing cases where smoke inhalation has been a factor in pets' health. It's obvious that owners don't appreciate the effect their smoking is having on their pets.

"We are seeing cases like bronchitis in dogs and asthma in cats, which appears to be linked to their owners' smoking habits."

Robson says owners must take greater responsibility.

"If you want to have your pets around for longer, you need to look after them," he said. "Pets are just as susceptible to second-hand smoke as humans are.

"People should not smoke around pets."