Veterinary Public Health


Pet Health Calendar
Contact Information
Veterinary Public Health Program
313 N Figueroa St. Rm 1127
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel (213) 288-7060
Fax (213) 481-2375
vet@ph.lacounty.gov
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Healthy Pets Healthy Families - Secondhand Smoke (SHS)

 

Background

 

There is a lot of evidence that secondhand smoke (SHS) can cause significant illness in people, such as pneumonia, heart disease, stroke and even some cancers. However, did you know that pets can also suffer from similar diseases if exposed to SHS? This fact is the reason why more and more people reconsider their smoking habits, especially around their dogs and cats.

 

Facts about SHS in LA County

 

  • Dogs and cats can suffer from the same diseases that people can get from SHS

  • In addition, smoke residues stay on your pet's fur, which can be toxic to pets

  • Cigarette butts left on the ground are poisonous to pets if eaten

    • Some people report that, while they are not allowed to smoke indoors, they often go outside and smoke while hanging out with their dog - this increases the chances of the dog breathing cigarette smoke or eating cigarette butts

    • Parks are another potential source of dog exposure to cigarette smoke or butts - "Non-smoking" signs are not always present and even if they are, cigarette butts can still be found on the ground

 

What can people do to protect their families and pets from SHS

 

  • Avoid smoking around animals

  • If you see your pet smelling or licking something on the ground, make sure it is not a cigarette butt

What the HPHF coalition does to protect people and pets from SHS in LA County

 

The HPHF coalition works with other tobacco prevention organizations to educate smokers about the effects of SHS in pets.

 

More useful information about SHS in pets

 

 

Last updated: September 28, 2017

 
 
Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.
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