Exposure to smoke is bad for us all, our pets included. Reports from a recent study show that it might even increase the risk of cancer in some dogs.
Researchers looked at Scottish terriers, because they already have a higher risk of developing bladder cancer than other breeds. The study followed 120 Scotties for three years, examining their lifestyles, analyzing urine samples and speaking with their owners.
The researchers found that Scotties exposed to smoke had a six times higher chance of developing bladder cancer, well above the breed’s typical risk. Metabolites from smoke were found in the dogs’ urine, even if they were only exposed to smoke on clothes.
The results are sobering — for our pets and for us, too.