Many pet parents who use tobacco are more willing to kick the
habit because of concern about second-hand smoke harming their
dogs. About one-third said they are likely to quit smoking
because they are more worried about the health of their pets
than their own well-being, according to a study by Henry Ford
Health System of Detroit. Sharon Milberger, interim director of
the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at Henry
Ford Health System, says exposure to second-hand smoke has been
linked to cancer, allergies, eye and skin diseases and
respiratory problems in dogs and cats. "We hope smokers realize
that the health of their pets is affected by their smoking
habit, and that secondhand smoke's impact is not limited just to
human beings," Milberger states in a media release. Nearly 3,300
people responded to an online survey available through the
Michigan Humane Society, Pet Supplies Plus pet stores and Henry
Ford Health System. The break down of pets owned by the
respondents are: 66 percent, dogs; 53