Dog owner Dot Dagless from Leeds had been a smoker for over forty years when she decided to kick the habit last May. Since quitting, her health has improved, but more remarkably, the health of her fourteen-and-a-half-year-old Yorkshire Terrier Winston, has also dramatically improved!
Winston was under the care of vets at Leeds PDSA PetAid hospital, and
was on medication for a chesty cough.
Since giving up smoking, Dot has noticed that Winston is much
sprightlier and his cough has cleared up considerably. “His appetite has
really increased plus he has a lot more energy,” comments Dot, “and he
doesn’t need an afternoon nap like he used too!”
PDSA Veterinary Surgeon Carolyn Oldridge, says “Pets can be affected by
breathing in second-hand cigarette smoke. Although Winston’s cough
hasn’t gone completely, it has improved significantly thanks to Dot
giving up.”
Another advantage is that Winston no longer needs his medication. Dot
continues, “I don’t miss smoking one little bit, and it feels even
better to have quit knowing that I’m helping Winston’s health too, as
well as my own. The spare cash I’ve got has gone towards buying a new
coat to keep Winston warm during the winter on our walks together!”
Carolyn continues: “Remember that a pet can’t tell us if cigarette smoke
is affecting them, but over time their health will suffer. Why not take
the dog out for a walk instead to forget about those nicotine cravings!”
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