Dish of the Day

A study conducted at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine revealed that pets living in households where smoking occurs have higher nicotine levels in their bodies compared to those in smoke-free homes.

Within the scope of the study titled “Determination of Passive Smoking Exposure in Domestic Cats and Dogs,” conducted as the doctoral thesis of Veterinarian Hikmet Özgün İşcan under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Abdurrahman Aksoy, Head of the Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology at OMU Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, a total of 240 blood and urine samples collected from 60 cats and 60 dogs were analyzed.

The analysis showed that animals living in homes where smoking occurs had “significantly higher nicotine levels” compared to those living in non-smoking environments.

Prof. Dr. Aksoy stated to Anadolu Agency (AA) that while many studies have examined the effects of passive smoking on humans, its impact on animals has not been widely studied.

Explaining that they set out to investigate how much animals are affected by exposure to cigarette smoke, Aksoy said, “This study is the first of its kind conducted in Türkiye. We also observed that there are only limited studies worldwide. As a result of the study, we confirmed that animals in smoking households are exposed to tobacco products at significantly higher levels.”

Emphasizing that animals may be more affected by passive smoking than humans, Aksoy highlighted the need to raise awareness among individuals who both smoke at home and keep pets.

Noting that nicotine, the primary substance in cigarettes, is heavier than air and can accumulate near the ground, Aksoy stated, “Another factor is that cats groom themselves by licking their fur. Even if smoking is not taking place at that moment, if there are residues of tobacco on the animal’s fur or on surfaces such as furniture, they may ingest these substances by licking, leading to increased exposure.”

Pointing out that pet owners should avoid smoking in environments where animals are present, Aksoy added:

“First and foremost, pet owners need to stop smoking in the environments where their animals are raised. It is well known that tobacco products cause many diseases. Certain diseases associated with tobacco exposure have also been identified in animals. In the field of veterinary medicine, further studies can be conducted to reveal the health problems of animals exposed to cigarette smoke.”

“Diseases affecting the respiratory system may occur”

Hikmet Özgün İşcan stated that they initiated the study with the idea that tobacco products could also negatively affect cats and dogs.

Explaining that they analyzed nicotine levels in blood and urine samples obtained from animals brought to the Veterinary Faculty Animal Hospital by their owners, İşcan emphasized that they investigated the presence of passive exposure.

Highlighting that increased nicotine levels were observed in samples taken from animals exposed to tobacco smoke at home, İşcan said, “If tobacco is used at home, we can biochemically demonstrate its presence in living beings within that environment. Many diseases affecting the respiratory system, circulatory system, and neurological system may develop. Among these, diseases affecting the respiratory system are particularly prominent.”