This week, on All My Children Wear Fur Coats, Peggy Hoyt spoke with Markus Lindblad who revealed the impact of secondhand smoke on pets and explored the advantages of quitting smoking or switching to smoke-free alternatives.
Markus Lindblad is the head of legal and external affairs at Nicokick, an e-commerce company that offers healthier smoking product alternatives including pouches, lozenges, and gum. Markus brings extensive experience in regulated industries, having previously served as the Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs for British American Tobacco in Sweden and Norway. He is determined to educate the public about the health risks associated with cigarettes and encourage the adoption of safer substitutes.
According to Markus, cancer is the most significant health risk for pets exposed to cigarette smoke. For example, dogs living in smoking households face an alarming 60% higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to those in smoke-free environments. Markus pointed out that smaller pets face higher risks due to the greater concentration of toxins in their bodies. He also indicated that certain animals are more susceptible to nicotine toxicity. For instance, cats are more likely to ingest poisonous particles due to their frequent grooming habits.
Aside from cancer, Markus indicated that respiratory problems are common for pets exposed to secondhand smoke. Moreover, pets exposed to smoke may experience increased stress, which can lead to behavioral issues and a reduced quality of life. Additionally, nicotine poisoning can occur if an animal consumes a cigarette butt or electronic cigarette cartridge. In such cases, activated charcoal may be needed to help remove the nicotine from their system.
To minimize your pet’s exposure to tobacco smoke, Markus advised our listeners to refrain from smoking indoors, stop smoking entirely, or switch to a smokeless alternative. Nicokick offers flavored pouches that deliver a burst of nicotine without producing any smoke or vapor. They are available in a variety of flavors and strengths. For those not ready to quit nicotine, Nicokick is a great solution to create a safer environment for your pets.
When asked about legislation to penalize smoking near pets, Markus emphasized that spreading information is more crucial than enacting laws. He believes that many people would cease exposing their pets to carcinogens if they fully understood the harm it causes.
Want to stop smoking? Visit Nicokick.com to view smokeless alternative nicotine products. Follow Nicokick on Facebook at Facebook.com/Nicokick.com.
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