Most cigarette smokers are aware of the risks, not only to their own health, but also to others around them who are exposed to their habit. But what many people don’t understand is the danger smoking poses for pets.
Secondhand smoke is smoke that is exhaled or released into the air from a burning cigarette or cigar. Thirdhand smoke is the residue that remains in the smoker’s environment on furniture, rugs, curtains, fabric lampshades, clothing, human skin, animal fur, and other surfaces. Both second and thirdhand smoke are referred to as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) – and research shows that ETS is dangerous to animals living with smokers.
According to Dr. Carolynn MacAllister, director of continuing education and extension at Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, secondhand smoke has also been associated with lung cancer, pneumonia, and eye, skin, heart, and fertility problems in pet birds.6
Your bird’s respiratory system is exquisitely sensitive to any type of pollutant in the air, and certainly secondhand cigarette smoke. It’s a very bad idea to smoke around your bird, or to allow anyone else to. If you do smoke, you should avoid lighting up inside your home. It’s also very important after smoking a cigarette to wash your hands, rinse out your mouth, and change your clothes before handling your bird.
Since smoking is so highly toxic to birds, people who smoke should really avoid keeping a bird as a pet.