Doggone Etiquette —

Secondhand Smoke

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:           

Your good people take you for regular visits to your vet, and are always concerned about your health no matter how old and fragile, or young, hail and hearty you may be. Your nice vet checks your eyes, ears, and teeth to be sure they are in good shape and properly cared for, and routinely gives you those “shots” against horrible diseases you might otherwise get. All of this – including your special food and treats – is because those special people want you to live a long and healthy life. You gotta love ‘em!

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:            

No longer are dogs fed a routine menu of table scraps, with an occasional marrow bone for occupational therapy. Today all dogs – whether kept as pets or maintained in any kind of work, or for breeding – all are fed a nutritious diet of foods made specifically for dogs of every size, age, and current state of health. The life expectancy of dogs has increased as a result. (Although for several reasons, European dogs live longer than those here in the States; more on that another time.)    

Medical research based on canines has benefited people as well as our dogs over the years, and continues to do so. Pet owners participate by taking dogs for regular veterinary check-ups, and utilizing preventive medication. All of this shows our concern regarding the health and well-being of our dogs. Therefore, this may come as a shock to some of you.           

Did you know that secondhand smoke is almost as harmful to dogs (and cats) as it is to humans? Dogs are susceptible to cancer of the nose and sinus, as well as to the respiratory problems we normally think of as due to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke can be retained on the fur of both dogs and cats, which they routinely lick off, producing as high an incidence of cancer in pets as it does in humans. There is even what might be called “third-hand” tobacco residue that accumulates on furniture, carpets – and even Rufus’s dog bed!

So – if there’s a dog in your family, and if anyone in your household smokes, now is a good time for that person to make a firm New Year’s resolution that will benefit everyone, including dear Rufus. Do it now! There are only a couple of weeks left to make it in time for the New Year.     

If only your dog knew about all this, he’d go around carrying “No Smoking” signs for his protection, in addition to those less-obvious signs that say, “Please walk me” or “Let’s play!” But he doesn’t know. He relies completely on you, the Very Important People in his life, so with all those other good things you do for your dog, eliminating even the slim chance of secondhand smoke in your household will help prevent physical harm to Rufus.

That will be your most unselfish good deed for your dog – but there’s more! Don’t forget the fun stuff. Instead of lighting up a cigarette, join Rufus in the fun exercise he loves, and is good for you, too! During the winter months it can be indoors or out depending on your family’s lifestyle and, of course, that of your friend, Rufus.

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years, during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me!, which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award in 2008.