- Harmful effects of nicotine can cause serious damage to animals’ health, vets warn
In a world of growing awareness of the dangers of smoking to human health, veterinary experts warn that the harmful effects of cigarette smoke and tobacco are not limited to smokers.
Pets are also at risk due to the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. Animals may face health consequences from inhaling toxins in cigarettes.
Cigarette smoke and tobacco residue contain a variety of toxic chemicals, including nicotine, arsenic, cyanide and carbon monoxide, which are released into the air in large quantities every time someone smokes a cigarette.
Veterinarian Juan Enrique Romero explained in an interview with the agency that while the presence of these substances is harmful to humans, the effects on wildlife are equally alarming and poorly understood. database.
Pets are the most exposed to cigarette smoke
Experts warn of the risks to pets posed by cigarette smoke and toxic chemicals in tobacco.
These elements don’t just affect the immediate smoker, but spread throughout the home and car, penetrating surfaces such as clothing, hair, rugs, drapes, and toys.
This fact is what puts pets at high risk because when they touch these contaminated surfaces, they are exposed to these toxins.
Dogs living in smoking households are at higher risk for respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma, as well as cardiovascular disease. In particular, dogs with longer snouts are more likely to suffer from nasal and lung cancers, because toxic substances are more likely to penetrate and accumulate in their fragile nasal mucosa.
tumor risk
In the case of cats, they are at high risk of developing tumors, particularly lymphoma and oral squamous cell carcinoma, because carcinogens in tobacco smoke penetrate their fur and adhere to it.
Experts warn that when cats groom themselves, they can ingest these substances, contaminating the oral mucosa and having serious consequences for their health.
Birds, on the other hand, are particularly vulnerable to tobacco smoke because their respiratory systems include pressure-compensating air sacs in addition to their lungs. This makes them more likely to develop lung cancer or pneumonia from exposure to tobacco smoke, which can even lead to death within a short period of time.
Nicotine poisoning can occur when animals ingest tobacco, drink water contaminated with cigarettes, or consume smoking cessation patches or gum.
Symptoms include drooling, seizures, constricted pupils, vomiting, diarrhea, heart problems, and indigestion.