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The dangers of smoking around pets
We are a nation of pet lovers. If you share your home with a furry best friend, you may be wondering just how safe vaping around dogs, and other pets, is.
The dangers of second-hand cigarette smoke are well known. There are strict laws in the UK around where you can and cannot smoke. These have been put in place to protect bystanders from passive smoking.
Passive smoking doesn't just harm human health though, the toxins present in second hand cigarette smoke can also be dangerous to pets. The University of Glasgow carried out a study on the dangers of passive smoke to pets. They found that dogs, cats and small animals, such as guinea pigs and birds, could be just as much at risk from second-hand smoke as people. It can cause breathing problems, eye irritation and increase their risk of developing certain types of cancer. In advice from the PDSA, they state
"stopping smoking completely is the best option for your pet's future health and wellbeing."
Second-hand vapour when vaping around dogs and pets
There has been no specific research on the effects of vaping around pets. However Public Health England's 2018 evidence review found that to date there have been no identified health risks of passive vaping to the health of human bystanders. This is in stark contract to the danger that we know second-hand smoke poses.
Although current evidence indicates that vapour poses a very low risk, small animals may be more sensitive to it. Pet birds in particular have very sensitive airways. Even scented candles, air-fresheners and cleaning products can irritate a birds airways. To minimise any risk, it is best to always vape away from your pets where possible or near to an open a window.
Nicotine poisoning and e-liquid safety around pets
The biggest risk to pets from vaping however is not from breathing in vapour. E-liquids contain concentrated nicotine, which is poisonous to cats and dogs. Nicotine poisoning is rarely fatal when treated, but it is very dangerous.
Vaping around cats
E-liquids also pose a specific risk to pet cats so you need to be very careful when vaping around cats. This is because Propylene Glycol which is commonly used in e-liquids has been found to be toxic to cats. If you suspect your pet cat or dog has ingested e-liquid you should take them to the vet immediately. If possible, you should take your e-liquid container with you so that your vet can easily see what your pet might have ingested.
Vaping safely around dogs and other pets
Many people successfully quit smoking through vaping. It’s important to remember that vaping is much safer than smoking not just for you, but for your pets. As a responsible pet owner, you should be aware of any risks to your pet when you vape. We recommend following some common sense precautions that will keep your pet safe:
- Always store your vapes and e-liquid bottles far out of reach of inquisitive pets. Ideally, you should keep them in a secure container that closes tightly.
- It can be easy to pop your vape on charge and forget about it. Don't leave vapes unattended in the same room as your pet, or anywhere they might reach them.
- Dispose of empty e-liquid bottles safely. If you have a dog or cat that’s likely to rummage in the bin, make sure that used e-liquid is disposed of immediately in an outside bin.
- Try to vape away from your pets where possible. If you vape in the same room as your pet, keep the space well ventilated by opening a window.
- If you vape e-liquid containing nicotine, there is a small risk that this can settle onto your pet’s food once airborne. To prevent your pets ingesting any nicotine, avoid vaping near to their food and water dishes.
