15/06/2026
When I started investigating why Daisy died so young of an aggressive lymphoma, I found that living in a house with a smoker or v**er is a big risk factor for lymphoma in companion animals. I don't smoke, but I do live with a smoker/v**er.
SPCA NZ is urging people not to smoke or v**e near their pets, as research shows second-hand smoke and ni****ne from e-ci******es can have serious health effects on animals, just like humans.
New Zealand’s largest animal welfare charity is warning pet owners on World Smokefree Day to consider the potential long-term damage they could be causing their furry friends by smoking or va**ng near them.
SPCA Scientific Officer Alison Vaughan says while there’s plenty of awareness around the harm to***co smoke causes humans, people may not be aware that animals exposed to these substances can suffer similar health risks as well, including cancers and respiratory infections.
“Most owners would never intentionally hurt their animals, but it’s important to realise the harm you could be causing by smoking or va**ng around your pets,” says Dr Vaughan. “Exposure to second-hand smoke has been linked with cancer in dogs and cats, as well as skin, eye and respiratory diseases in birds, rabbits and guinea pigs. It can also affect fish, as the pollutants from smoke are dissolved easily into their water.”
Research also shows that third-hand smoke, the residual ni****ne and other chemicals left on clothes and surfaces in our homes and cars from to***co smoke, poses particular risk to animals. Because our pets spend a lot of time on or near the floor, they are exposed to higher concentrations of these residues which can be inhaled or ingested during grooming.
The increase in the popularity of va**ng has also introduced new risks that pet owners may not be aware of. The liquid ni****ne used in va**ng devices is absorbed faster, and the ni****ne concentration may be higher than traditional ci******es. Many of these products use flavoured ni****ne which can make them more appealing, particularly to dogs. Ingestion of even small amounts of ni****ne can result in ni****ne poisoning.
“If you do v**e, make sure you keep the device and liquid ni****ne in a safe place, out of reach of your pet. Keep both your home and car smoke free to reduce the risk of cancers and serious health problems for your family and pets,” says Dr Vaughan.
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