Assisi Animal Health Shares Insights Regarding Protecting the Health of Companion Animals from Secondhand Smoke Exposure

PINEHURST, N.C., Jan. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Assisi Animal Health, creator of the Assisi Loop®, an effective non-pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory device (NPAID®) that works as a PEMF therapy for animals to reduce pain and inflammation, warns companion animal owners of the dangers posed by secondhand smoke from tobacco products and provides recommendations to protect animal health. 

Secondhand smoke is defined as smoke that is exhaled, released into the communal air, and is then inhaled by non-smokers. While the negative impact of secondhand smoke on humans has been well documented and studied, the negative health implications for companion animals occupying the same environments, is often overlooked.  In fact, the biological structures of humans, canines, and felines are so similar that many pharmaceuticals are first utilized on animals to study their efficacy. With this understanding in mind, it stands to reason that the implications of secondhand smoke exposure would result in very similar illnesses in pets as their human counterparts. The fact is, secondhand smoke is metabolized similarly in humans, dogs, and cats. Much like humans, dogs can suffer from smoking-related illnesses such as lung disease and cancer. Exposure to secondhand smoke can also negatively impact a dog's respiratory system and lead to an increased risk of diseases like nasal cancer, heart disease, and skin allergies.

While there has been some awareness in the canine community about secondhand smoke exposure, less is known about how it affects feline health. Some research has shown that cats exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased risk of contracting lymphoma—a common type of tumor found in cats.

For companion pet owners that use tobacco products, there are steps that should be taken to help protect animal health. 

Housekeeping. Steaming carpets, furniture, and curtains on a regular basis to remove the smoke that accumulates on these items will reduce pets' exposure. 

Pet Hygiene. Bathing pets consistently will help to remove smoke residue from fur and protect against further absorption.

Proximity. Smoking outdoors and away from pets can dramatically reduce exposure to the toxins in secondhand smoke. Even when outside, pet owners should be mindful of keeping a pet a reasonable distance away from the smoke. For example, a pet upon the lap of a smoking pet owner will be exposed to the smoke.

Given the fact that equines are housed separately from humans, and are therefore more limited in their exposure to secondhand smoke, even less is known about the health impacts of secondhand smoke on equines. However, those working with equines may want to also consider the above recommendations - especially when working in enclosed stables. 

Assisi Animal Health welcomes all pet owners into the Assisi Circle of Care®—the collaboration of veterinarians and owners in animal health and healing. Assisi helps veterinary professionals and owners improve the quality of life for companion animals using the Assisi Loop, the non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical healing device that is based on the same FDA-cleared technology used on humans. The device uses low-level pulses of electromagnetic energy to reduce pain and swelling, and to enhance recovery.

Media Contact:Kaysie Dannemiller, Assisi Animal Health, 866-830-7342, kaysie.dannemiller@assisianimalhealth.com

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SOURCE Assisi Animal Health