People more likely to quit smoking for their dogs than their children

Kick the habit

A recent study by researchers in Michigan turned up some interesting statistics.  It seems that one in three would quit smoking if they thought their pet would be adversely affected.  This is interesting because in other studies, fewer than 2% would quit smoking if they knew their children would suffer harmful effects and 3.2% would consider quitting under family pressure.  Clearly the pets win hands down..

Of course, it's hard to compare the studies but brings up an interesting question: why would someone be more likely to quit smoking for their pet than for their family member?  Well, loyalty comes to mind.  Many pet owners will do anything in their power to maintain quality of life for their beloved dog or cat.  They're returning the favor. I know a tremendously devoted pet owner who had an elevator put in his house so his dog could safely go from floor to floor.  He'd had hip replacement surgery and this was undoubtedly a huge help.  (His pet, Bob, had surgery, not the owner). 

Then of course, there's love.  People love their pets in the U.S. to a tune of 10.5 billion dollars a year on over the counter medications and pet supplies.  That's a lot of love.  But then you get a lot back. Not that you don't love your children, but I guess pets are less demanding. 

But is second hand smoke really that dangerous for pets anyway?  I mean, is the risk worth all the fuss?  Well, apparently it is.  Studies have linked second hand smoke to oral cancer and lymphoma in cats and nasal and lung cancer in dogs.  Even birds have health problems.  A 2007 study found a link between second hand smoke and lung cancer as well as skin, eye, and heart problems in birds.

And with 50,000 human deaths each year in the U.S. from second hand smoke, it's a bet that there are a large number of premature deaths in pets for the same reason.  So, it's good news that 30% of smokers will consider quitting if their pet is at risk and 20% will ban smoking in their home by other smokers. 

Clearly your dog, cat or bird can't tell you to quit if you smoke, but perhaps this information will encourage some to kick the habit.  If you have any thoughts on why more people would consider quitting for their cat or dog than someone in their family, I'd love to hear from you!