A DOG lover who quit smoking has backed a campaign to get people to stub out for the sake of their pets.

As part of National Pet Month, veterinary charity PDSA has joined forces with Fresh, Smoke Free North East, to encourage people to think more about the health of their pets.

And Denise Rennison, who smoked for three decades before breaking her addiction, is hoping other people will follow her lead.

“I love my dogs dearly, they have always been a big part of my family and I’d do anything for them, although I had no idea that second-hand smoke was just as dangerous to animals as it is to humans.

Therefore, I was so pleased that I quit for their sake, as well as my children,” said Mrs Rennison, of Billingham, near Stockton.

“Pet owners should be more aware of how their addiction is affecting their animals and the damage it can cause. I’m relived that my black Labrador, Tess, no longer has to breathe in my second-hand smoke, and I’m sure she’s happier and healthier as a result.”

According to a study published in Tobacco Control, a British Medical Journal, 28 percent of people are likely to quit smoking if they believe it would impact on their pets.

PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Drew Lonie, from Middlesbrough Pet Aid hospital, said: “The effects of second-hand smoke on humans are well known, but many people don’t realise their habit may also be damaging their pet’s health.

“When people smoke in their home or car, everyone around – both people and pets – inhales the toxic fumes. And your furry friends don’t just inhale smoke; the particles also get trapped in their fur and ingested when they groom themselves.”

Ailsa Rutter, director of Fresh, said: “Pets are part of the family and it’s probably a surprise to many loving pet owners that smoke is harming their animal.

The smoke from the end of a cigarette creates a cocktail of harmful chemicals.

“Dogs and cats don’t know about the dangers of smoke, but it doesn’t stop them getting cancer or lung disease in the same way as their owners.”

Anyone wanting help to stop smoking is asked to call the NHS Helpline 0800- 012-1612 or visit smokefree.

nhs.uk/