Did you know that dogs and cats are twice as likely to get cancer if their pet parent smokes? To help raise awareness and educate pet owners, Petco is giving away FREE Pet Collar Charms. Just stop by your local Petco store and pick one up while supplies last.

We hope that if you smoke, you’ll consider quitting. It’s healthier for you, your family members and the fur kids. Both Woof Woof Papa and I quit smoking several years ago and I know how difficult it is, but it’s SO worth it! If you’ve tried before, try again…it often takes several attempts before it sticks, but don’t quit quitting!

Pets don’t have control over their exposure to harmful toxins, so pet parents must be responsible. Petco has put together some tips on how to help protect your pet from the effects of second hand smoke.

Wash or change your pet’s bedding regularly. If you smoke in the home or around your pet’s things, wash or change those things frequently. This includes your pet’s beds, leashes, collars, dishes, clothing, toys—even your own furnishings, carpets, floors and clothing—anything that can collect tobacco residue left behind after smoking and become harmful to your pet.

Take your pet to a veterinarian for regular wellness checks. Just like regular check-ups with a doctor are important for us, regular visits to your veterinarian are the best way to stay on top of your pet’s overall health and wellness. A full veterinary evaluation at least twice a year—or more often if specific health concerns arise—can also identify signs or symptoms of health issues, including pet cancer, sooner rather than later.

Groom or bathe your pet regularly. Just like your own clothing and hair, your pet’s fur is another place where tobacco residue can build up over time and be inhaled or ingested by your petparticularly those who groom themselves by licking. Regularly grooming or bathing can help reduce the presence of harmful toxins. Petco recommends bathing or grooming every 6-8 weeks, but if you smoke, your pet may benefit from greater frequency. Between grooms and baths, or immediately after smoking near your pet, you can use a wet cloth or pet wipe to quickly clean the surface of your pet’s fur.

Dispose of cigarette butts properly—don’t let your pets eat them. This should be a no-brainer, but cigarette butts, ashes or any other leftover tobacco products can be harmful to your pet if chewed, licked or swallowed. If you or anyone else smokes around your pet, be sure to properly dispose of the remnants so they’re not accessible. Never leave ashtrays within your pet’s reach and be on the lookout for stray cigarette butts improperly disposed of by others, especially when walking outside with dogs.

Don’t smoke around your pet or better yet, quit smoking! To more significantly reduce your pet’s exposure to harmful carcinogens found in secondhand and thirdhand smoke, don’t smoke near your pet, around their things, or in their home environments at all. If you must, smoke outside and wash your hands and face—even change your clothes if you can—before handling or touching your pet after smoking. This won’t eliminate your pet’s exposure altogether, but it can reduce the amount of smoke or tobacco residue they take into their bodies. Cut back if you can. Quitting is ideal.

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