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30th April 2006 When owners smoke, they expose their pets to over 4,000 toxins including 40 known cancer-causing substances and carbon monoxide. Not only do pets including house rabbits inhale the toxic air but also they absorb dangerous chemicals when they groom themselves because the toxins land on their fur. Only 15% of cigarette smoke is actually inhaled by the smoker – the rest ends up in the air exposing people and pets to the dangers of passive smoking. House rabbits with little or no access to fresh air are likely to be at greater risk from high blood pressure and associated illness through passive smoking than hutch rabbits, simply because of limited fresh air. Studies have been carried out in America on birds, dogs and cats where it was found that all three are susceptible to cancers. Lymphoma is one of the most common killers of cats in Australia; while dogs too suffer and are prone to developing nasal and sinus cancer; even pet birds can develop a severe cough leading to bronchial problems. However, there has been no detailed data on the affect on pet rabbits although it has been reported that some house rabbits suffer with bronchial problems. Rod Straw, a pet oncology expert from the University of Queensland, said an earlier study had found passive smoking could be linked to lung cancer in dogs. “It is interesting that they have found this link and it could be a good impetus for people not to smoke,” he said. So if passive smoking has been proved to affect birds, dogs and cats then house rabbits will also suffer the consequences of their owner’s habits. Judith Brown, veterinary advisor of the Rabbit Welfare Association says, “Smokers need to be made aware that passive smoking is as dangerous to pets as it is to people. By not exposing rabbits to the dangers of passive smoking, owners can insure that they keep vets bills down. Not to mention that it makes for a happier rabbit.” The Rabbit Welfare Association pro-actively promotes rabbit welfare. You can join on-line atENDS PRESS: For further info please contact: Sue Hunter telephone no. 01489 78 6755 or email
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