Fido and Fluffy are more likely to suffer harmful effects of secondhand smoke than their human counterparts, researchers found.
Our four-legged friends are at greater risk because they spend more time indoors and live closer to carpets, where carcinogenic particles are trapped, according to scientists at the University of Glasgow.
Cats are particularly at risk because of their constant self-grooming, bringing more carcinogens directly into their systems, the researchers added.
“Our findings show that exposure to smoke in the home is having a direct impact on pets,” said Clare Knottenbelt, professor of Small Animal Medicine and Oncology at the school’s Animal Hospital.
Dogs who have been fixed tend to put on more weight in smoking households compared with smoke-free homes, the study showed.
“It risks ongoing cell damage,” Knottenbelt said.