Tobacco is Toxic for Toto, Too

If you light up around your pets, you could be putting their lives at risk.

If you’re a smoker and you love your dog (or cat, bird, or rabbit), there’s one powerful step you can take to safeguard their health: quit smoking.

Secondhand smoke and nicotine aren’t just dangerous for people, they can seriously harm the animals we love most. From respiratory problems and allergies to cancer and even fatal poisoning, smoking creates invisible dangers inside your home. The good news? Quitting — or at least taking it outside — can make a life-saving difference for your four-legged family members.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General (report), there are no safe levels of exposure to secondhand smoke (CDC about SHS in the home). Pets living in smoking households face higher risks of developing respiratory issues, allergies, cancer, and other serious health problems.

• Dogs exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk of lung cancer and nasal cancer, especially those with longer noses.
• Cats living with smokers are more likely to develop malignant lymphoma, a cancer with a low survival rate.
• Birds exposed to tobacco smoke can suffer from pneumonia, lung cancer, and skin problems.

Pets are especially vulnerable because they live close to the ground, where toxic smoke residues, known as thirdhand smoke, concentrate on floors, carpets, and furniture. In the United States, almost twice as many households have pets as have children under 18, and about one-fifth of pet owners are cigarette smokers, (University of Kentucky). These factors combine to create a hidden but serious health risk for millions of companion animals.

Nicotine: A Hidden Threat to Pets

Beyond secondhand smoke, nicotine itself is highly toxic to animals if ingested. Dogs, cats, and even small pets like rabbits or birds can suffer serious poisoning from eating cigarettes, cigar butts, nicotine gum, e-cigarette cartridges, or even ashes.

Symptoms of nicotine poisoning can appear quickly and may include:

• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Tremors
• Weakness
• Elevated heart rate
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing

Ingesting even a small amount can be fatal, especially for smaller pets. For example, just one cigarette or a small piece of nicotine gum can cause life-threatening symptoms in a small dog or cat.

A thoughtful comment on this article back in 2010 brought attention to another critical danger: in addition to nicotine toxicity, discarded cigarette butts can cause dangerous intestinal blockages in pets.

Corina Herron, an experienced ER veterinary technician, shared that even a single discarded cigarette butt can cause an intestinal obstruction in small pets — often requiring costly and urgent abdominal surgery. Cigarette butts are sadly common on sidewalks, parks, and other outdoor spaces where curious dogs often explore.

“Even when walking your dog, these cigarette butts tend to be all over the ground — right where your little four-legged loved one has his nose,” she wrote.

And unfortunately, cigarette butts are commonly found on sidewalks, parks, and outdoor spaces where dogs love to sniff and explore.

If you suspect your pet has ingested a cigarette, cigarette butt, or any nicotine-containing product, seek veterinary help immediately. Time is critical with nicotine poisoning or potential blockages.

Protecting Pets Is a Powerful Reason to Quit

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, making it a perfect time to commit to protecting your pets. If quitting feels overwhelming, start by taking smoking outside — well away from pets — to reduce their exposure. Even better, seek support and resources to quit entirely, for your health and theirs.

The ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) lists tobacco smoke as a toxin dangerous to pets. Exposure can cause inflammation, breathing problems, cancer, and even nicotine poisoning if pets ingest cigarettes, cigars, vape liquids, or other tobacco products.

“While many people understand the dangers of secondhand smoke for children, it’s equally important to recognize the risks it poses for pets,” notes the ASPCA.

Even small amounts of nicotine can be life-threatening if ingested — especially for smaller animals.

Resources for Smokers Who Want to Quit

Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but help is available. These programs offer free tools, support groups, and step-by-step plans to help smokers become — and stay — tobacco-free:

• Smokefree.gov
  A government-supported resource offering mobile apps, expert advice, and personalized quit plans.
• Freedom From Smoking® – American Lung Association
  A proven program that has helped hundreds of thousands of people quit smoking for good.
• EX Program – Truth Initiative® & Mayo Clinic
  Developed in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, the EX Program provides evidence-based digital quit-smoking support, now managed by Truth Initiative® (formerly the American Legacy Foundation®).
• Pets EX Community
  Originally launched as part of the EX campaign, this community offers pet-focused motivation for quitting, helping smokers find support by thinking about their four-legged friends.

When you commit to quitting, you’re not just improving your own health, you’re protecting your pets from a silent, toxic threat, too.

Love your pets, love yourself. Quit smoking — for both of you.

Originally published in 2010. Updated and expanded in 2025 to reflect current research and to honor reader contributions. This article was originally inspired by a 2010 public awareness initiative by the American Legacy Foundation® (now the Truth Initiative®) and the ASPCA®, encouraging pet owners to quit smoking to protect their animals from secondhand smoke. The campaign promoted the EX® program to support smokers in re-learning life without cigarettes.