Clearing the Air: Secondhand Smoke’s Impact on Your Pet’s Heart

We all know the dangers of secondhand smoke for humans, but did you know it poses significant risks to our furry companions as well? Dogs and cats exposed to secondhand smoke are more susceptible to various health problems, including serious cardiovascular issues. Through this article, we at Coast to Coast Cardiology want to educate our pet owners about the dangers of secondhand smoke.

How Does Smoking Affect Pets’ Hearts?

Just like in humans, the toxins in secondhand smoke can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease in pets. Reduced oxygen supply, increased blood pressure, inflammation in the arteries, narrowing of blood vessels, and arrhythmias are common consequences of smoke inhalation for pets.

In fact, this study from Pub Med concludes that smoke toxicity in dogs leads to cardiac and metabolic dysfunction. There are countless other studies touting similar causes for all pets.

So, what conditions can these effects lead to?

Heart-Related Conditions Linked to Secondhand Smoke

  • Cardiomyopathy: This condition involves an enlarged or weakened heart muscle that makes it less efficient at pumping blood.
  • Heart Failure: When the heart cannot pump blood effectively, it can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs and other organs, which causes congestive heart failure.
  • Nicotine Poisoning: If a pet ingests enough nicotine from secondhand smoke, they can die. Symptoms include vomiting, seizures, tremors, abnormal heart rate, weakness, incoordination, and drooling.
  • Blood Clots: Breathing in secondhand smoke makes the blood stickier, which increases the risk of blood clots forming. A blood clot can block an artery and cause heart attacks, strokes, angina, or complete heart failure in your pet.

Protecting Your Pet from Secondhand Smoke

The best way to protect your pet’s heart from the dangers of secondhand smoke is to create a smoke-free environment. Try not to smoke indoors, such as at home or in your car. Even if your pet isn’t in the same room, smoke can linger for a while, so make sure your pet’s environment is always well-ventilated.

Besides smoking outdoors, remember not to leave ashtrays or cigarette butts around your pets. If they end up ingesting tobacco products, contact your emergency vet.

If you have any fear about your pet’s heart health, the best thing you can do is visit us! At Coast to Coast Cardiology, we have ten distinct locations, but we deliver on one goal no matter what: treating the patient, not just the signs. To book an appointment, contact us online or call 844-582-3827 today.