Leena Sankla Director of Public Health & Life Style Services, Solutions 4 Health, Reading
Saleen Ahmed-Khan Berkshire Health Improvement Manager, Solutions4Health, Reading
Abstract
As part of No Smoking Day campaign Solutions4Health set up a campaign to raise awareness of passive smoking and the impact on their pet’s health. A survey conducted 2014 found that 48% of households in the UK own a pet. In recent years, studies have concluded that exposure to tobacco and second hand smoke has been associated with certain cancers in dogs and cats; allergies in dogs; and eye and skin diseases and respiratory problems in birds, small furry pets such as hamsters, lizards and amphibians, it has also been proven to affect fish as the pollutants from the smoke is absorbed into their water and can cause them to die.
The launch events in town centres across the country were well received and raised an important issue for pet owners, and those who signed up for stop smoking services were motivated to quit smoking for their pet’s health. Solutions4 Health use innovative campaigns to engage with members of the public to stop and think about their smoking habits and if they don’t want to quit smoking for themselves but they can try for those they love.
The service has engaged with pet shops, council’s dog wardens and veterinary practices to promote the issue and is looking at engaging with dog kennals, catteries including guide dogs for the blind and pet shelters to vet homes and ensure that they are smokefree.
Source of funding: Local Authority commissioned service
