To give family members and pets the healthiest life possible, NHS Lanarkshire’s Quit Your Way team is partnering with various Lanarkshire vet surgeries, to raise awareness of the harms of second-hand smoke to children and family members at home, including life’s cuddly companions.
Residents may be aware of the risks of exposure to second-hand smoke for other people, especially children, but it also damages the health of pets of all kinds including dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and even fish, amongst others.
Pets are at risk in the same way that humans are and to help support pet owners to learn more about preventing these health issues, the Quit Your Way team has distributed information and leaflets to vet surgeries about the health risks of second-hand smoke, advice to minimise exposure and information about the support available should their clients wish to quit smoking altogether.
Quit Your Way offers free support and advice on second-hand smoke and quitting smoking, as well as free Nicotine Replacement Products. Supporting residents and informing them of the small steps they can take to reduce harm in their households from tobacco smoke, will further protect families, children and pets.
Queensley Ajuyakpe, health improvement senior, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We want to give our family the best and healthiest lives we can, and this includes our pets.
“Many Lanarkshire residents love their pets like additional family members and may not be aware that their pets are at risk of health issues from exposure to second-hand smoke. Sharing this important information with local vets will hopefully lead to more residents making their homes and car smoke-free.
“We understand that nicotine is a powerful and addictive substance, help and support tailored to each person’s needs are available to support anyone to stop smoking through Quit Your Way Lanarkshire.”
David Gardner-Roberts MRCVS, veterinary surgeon – ARMAC Vets, Biggar, said: “Smoking tobacco is harmful to pets in the same way it’s harmful to other people in our home. Although the smoke we see disappears quickly, the particles are so small that 85% of them are invisible and odourless.
“The levels of invisible but harmful toxins in the air can linger for up to five hours afterwards and pose a threat to pets of all kinds.
“Encouraging a smoke-free environment for children, families and pets can help protect them from inhaling the same toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke, as there is no safe level of second-hand smoke.”
Allan Ritchie, head trainer, Clan Dog, a local dog training organisation, added: “All dog lovers know the ‘power’ of a dog’s nose.
“A dog’s nose is their ‘go to’ asset, so it makes sense that scents and tobacco smoke that seem overwhelming to us are absolutely overpowering for dogs, causing their body to have a negative reaction.
“There is some evidence to suggest dogs exposed to second-hand smoke tend to suffer more eye infections, allergies, and respiratory issues, including lung cancer, so protecting our pets from it is vital for their wellbeing.”
Quit Your Way can be contacted Monday – Friday from 9am until 5pm.
To find out about the stop smoking services and to access the best support to quit in your area call the Quit Your Way helpline service on 0800 84 84 84 or visit QuitYourWay.scot.
You can also visit your local Community Pharmacy for FREE stop smoking support.
