By Carl Gist - ONLYforPETLOVERS District of Columbia

Because of the onslaught of infomercials and antismoking commercials, I bet you think you know all there is to know about the dangers of smoking and the health complications it can cause. However, did you know that smoking can be equally as dangerous to your pets? This danger comes in the form of second hand smoke.

When most of us consider whom second hand smoke affects, we assume these dangers pertain to children, infants and adults. We neglect to consider the family members who are possibly affected the most – our pets.

People who smoke are fortunate enough to frequently leave the house and breathe fresh air. Our pets aren’t so lucky. They often have little chance to step outside and escape all of those hazardous toxins, especially cats.

In a recent study conducted at Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine, it was discovered that a strong correlation exists between cats living in smoking households and oral cancer. Scientists determined that because cats lick themselves to groom, they end up licking up carcinogen deposits that get trapped in their fur. Consequently, after exposing the skin in their mouths to harmful amounts of carcinogens over a long period of time, they begin to develop cancer. Some cats were even found to have developed cancer in their lymph nodes.

Cats aren’t the only pets that are in danger. Dogs are at risk too. In a study performed at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, it was determined that dogs that live in smoking households have a 60 percent greater risk of developing lung and sinus cancer than dogs living with nonsmoking owners. Those numbers increased even more in long-nosed breeds such as Dobermans. The reason longer-nosed dogs have a higher incidence of nasal cancer is that their nasal passages have a greater surface area on which carcinogens are deposited before reaching the lungs.

Perhaps the most susceptible of all pets to second hand smoke are birds. Birds have a very sensitive respiratory system and are especially sensitive to smoke of any kind. Second hand smoke has been known to cause pet birds to develop lung irritations that result in pneumonia or lung cancer. Second hand smoke can also leave birds vulnerable to heart disease, infertility, and eye problems.

So, if you are a smoker, what can be done to protect your pets? One thing you can try is to only smoke outside. Additionally, you can tell visitors who smoke that you have gum as an alternative or that if they must smoke, they must do it outside. Another way to help your pets is to brush and groom them regularly. This is especially important for cats, since they are likely to lick and ingest residue on their coats.

To improve air quality, some specialists suggest purchasing an air purifier and to make sure your home is completely ventilated. Though this doesn’t completely remove hazardous chemicals from the air, it does decrease the amount of carcinogens that residents would otherwise breathe in. Some veterinarians even suggest giving your pet vitamin C, which can help reduce cancer generating effects. However, you should first see your veterinarian to determine if supplements are a good option for your pet.

If you would like to help pets that have developed cancer, check out The Magic Bullet Fund (themagicbulletfund.org). This organization provides financial assistance to pay for canine cancer treatments and medicines when the owner cannot.

Another organization whose mission it is to fight cancer in pets is the Dog and Cat Cancer Fund (dccfund.org). This organization works directly with veterinarians to help underprivileged owners provide treatment for cats and dogs suffering from cancer. They also offer grants to help scientists conduct research into the next generation of life saving treatments.

At the end of the day the very best way to prevent your pets from being affected by second hand smoke is to simply quit smoking. Remember, pets don’t get to choose their owners, nor can they change their environment if it is hazardous to their health. Rather, it is up to pet lovers everywhere to make sure we do this for them.