While most smokers are aware of the dangers of exposing their children to the secondhand smoke generated by cigarette smoking in their homes, many don't think about the ramifications for their pets.
About.com Guide to Veterinary Medicine, Janet Tobiassen Crosby explains this hazard in detail in her article, Nicotine Poisoning in Pets.
From Janet: "It has been known for quite some time that second-hand cigarette smoke is dangerous to pets and people. Consuming discarded tobacco or nicotine products is also a risk. Pets (and children) may find discarded cigarette or cigar butts, nicotine patches, nicotine gum and chewing tobacco and decide to give them a taste test. Especially curious puppies. All of these tobacco products contain nicotine, which can cause illness and even death in fairly small amounts. This quick tips is to alert people of this danger and a reminder to dispose of these products safely away from pets."
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Photo © Terry Martin
