Vets join passive smoking campaign
"Stopping smoking completely is the best option to keep pets fit and well"
A campaign to highlight the harmful effects of smoking around pets has seen local councils joining forces with vets to combat the issue.
Vets from across South Yorkshire have partnered Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster councils to encourage pet owners to protect their pets by keeping their homes smoke-free.
Recent research by the University of Glasgow found that passive smoking puts pets at risk of a range of health problems, including cancer, cell damage and weight gain.
Sheffield vet Phil Tricklebank is supporting the campaign: "I have seen many cases of chronic bronchitis in dogs and feline asthma in cats, which can often be aggravated by exposure to second-hand smoke," he explained. "I would urge all animal lovers not to smoke around their pets."
In Sheffield, 17.7 per cent of the adult population smoke. In Rotherham, the figure is 18.4 per cent, and in Doncaster, 22.7 per cent.
Doncaster councillor Pat Knight, said: "Many people are already aware of the risks of second-hand smoke when it comes to babies and young children, while pet owners are often surprised that animals can be harmed too."
In fact, the Glasgow research team found pets face an even greater threat from passive smoking than humans as they spend more time in the home and are closer to carpets where cancer-causing particles may remain. Cats are particularly at risk, perhaps due to extensive self-grooming.
"Reducing the amount of smoke pets are exposed to by smoking outdoors can help," councillor Knight added, "however stopping smoking completely is the best option to keep pets fit and well. There is plenty of free help and support available locally for smokers who want to quit."
Members of the public in South Yorkshire are being urged to make their cars and homes smoke-free as part of a wider campaign. More information can be found here: http://www.breathe2025.org.uk/
Details of local help and support available can be found by calling the stop smoking service on 0800 612 0011 (free from landlines) or 0330 660 1166 (free from most mobiles), or by visiting http://yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk/
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.
