Does Second Hand Smoke Affect Our Pugs?

 I saw a commercial on how cigarette smoking can cause cancer in our pugs, so I was curious is this true?  Yes, second as well as third hand smoke does affect our pugs.  When our pugs are exposed to second and third hand smoke they are exposed to the same cancer causing chemicals as humans.   Pugs have a higher risk of lung cancer, respiratory disease, cardiovascular condition, eye problems, skin allergies and asthma whether it is from second or third hand smoke.  Second hand smoke is smoke that is breathed directly from the air around a smoker whereas third hand smoke is from the clothing, carpets, furniture and etcetera of a smoker.  For instance, when a pug lies on the lap of a smoker that smoke that is carried on their clothing is then transferred onto the pug as well as the pug is inhaling the smoke directly from the clothing. 

     According to Dr. Jan Bellows, DVM (veterinarian at All Pets Dental Clinic in Weston, FL), “Dogs and cat lungs are basically identical to human lungs.”  Showing that pugs’ lungs are susceptible to the thousands of chemicals and cancer causing agents such as carbon monoxide, vinyl chloride, arsenic, formaldehyde, just to name a few one inhales while smoking.   "Nicotine from secondhand smoke can have effects to the nervous systems of cats and pugs. Environmental tobacco smoke has been shown to contain numerous cancer-causing compounds, making it hazardous for animals as well as humans,” Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, medical director of the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center. 

      Even the e-cigarettes are not better.  One of the listed ingredients used in the e-cigarettes is diethylene glycol, yes, the same ingredient found in antifreeze.  If a pug was to lick the fluid which causes the vapor from the e-cigarettes, it is basically slowly poisoning.  It will also cause neurological issues, lethargy, cancer, or worse. So whether you choose to smoke a cigarette, pipe, cigar or an e-cigarette you are doing harm to their pug.

     So if you have thought about quit smoking, if you won’t do it for yourself do it for your pug.  The one who gives you unconditional love no matter what, the one who will always be there for you, through thick and thin.   If one loves their pug and considers them family, this is the perfect time to decide to quit smoking for their pug and themselves.