More than half (52%) of pet owners who smoke said their pets spend 23 hours or more at home, where chemicals and bacteria released by smoking indoors can linger in the air and cause respiratory problems or cancer.

The findings also reveal how cats or dogs react when their owner begins to smoke, with 30% saying their pet moves away from them. Conversely, 17% said their pet sits beside them and 13% of pets appear to enjoy the smell of cigarettes, leaving them more exposed to the dangers of passive smoking.

Positively, more than two thirds (68%) said it would encourage them to quit smoking if they found out it had made their pet ill. Other factors that might help them give up smoking included:

  • Benefits to their own health (37%)
  • Benefits to their family's health (32%)
  • Taking up a healthier lifestyle, such as a new sport or changing diet (32%)

Andrew Moore, director of pet claims at MORE TH>N, and a qualified vet, said:

'This Stoptober, MORE TH>N is calling on pet owners to give up smoking. Passive smoking is just as dangerous for pets as it is for humans, and increases the likelihood of them developing cancer and a range of other health issues. We urge pet owners that smoke to avoid doing so around their pets or inside their home to reduce their exposure to second-hand smoke. Our pets dedicate their lives to us so it is important that we thank them by keeping them happy and healthy.'

Attachments

  • Original document
  • Permalink

Disclaimer

RSA Insurance Group plc published this content on 03 October 2019 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 03 October 2019 14:10:01 UTC