FDA warns about dangers of secondhand, thirdhand smoke to pets

FORT MYERS, Fla. — If you’re a smoker, you probably realize the dangers smoking may pose to your health. But have you ever thought about how the habit affects your pets?

Both secondhand smoke and third-hand smoke can pose a health risk to pets, according to the Federal Drug Administration.

While second-hand smoke harms pets when they inhale the chemicals from a lit cigarette, third-hand smoke is when those chemicals accumulate over time in things like house dust, floors, rugs and furniture.

“Second and third-hand smoke can absolutely kill your pet,” warns Dr. Martine Hartogensis, a veterinarian with the FDA. “It can particularly affect animals that spend most of their time on the low levels on the floor, in and around the carpets and their bedding.”

Pets can ingest the chemical residue when they groom or lick their coats as well.

Cigarette smoke has also been linked to deadly cancers in pets.

Cats living in homes with smokers are twice as likely to develop oral tumors, while dogs with longer muzzles, are more likely to develop nasal tumors, studies show.

However, the effects aren’t just limited to dogs and cats — hamsters, birds and fish are just as susceptible to third-hand smoke.

Lisa Frank, a smoker who loves her dogs, believes the FDA’s warning was wake-up call and now smokes outside to protect them.

“I didn’t want them to breathe that,” she said. “I think everyone should be concerned about your animals.”

Although the FDA warning is specifically about pets, it’s important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics previously warned about the risk of third-hand smoke for children, especially babies and toddlers who are more likely to crawl on rugs and have their faces near furniture.