THE SMOKING ban voted for by Parliament recently won’t just benefit the health of people when it is enacted in 2007, but our pets’ lives too, says leading veterinary charity, PDSA.

"The affects of passive smoking on humans is well documented, but pets are also affected by breathing in second-hand cigarette smoke, so it’s another good reason to quit," says one of PDSA’s Senior Veterinary Surgeons, Elaine Pendlebury.

"Pet’s play such an important part in so many people’s lives, and as owners we have a responsibility to care for their health and well-being."

Dogs are very susceptible to smoking-related respiratory problems and their exposure to tobacco smoke has also been linked to nasal and sinus cancers.

In other pets, passive smoking can even contribute to alopecia (hair loss.)

The PDSA advises that if giving up smoking completely is out of the question, there are ways to lessen the affect on pets. Try not to smoke near them, keep all rooms well ventilated and encourage visitors to have a cigarette outside.

Ms Pendlebury added: "Remember that a pet can’t tell us if cigarette smoke is affecting them, but over time their health will suffer. So next time the dog affectionately sits by your side, please think about their health too. Best of all why not take the dog for a walk to forget about those nicotine cravings instead!