The growing popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping devices has given some people a false sense of security. There are a small number of individuals who truly believe e-cigarettes are less dangerous than regular nicotine products, but in reality, the debate over their safety isn’t finished. In the meantime, the relaxed attitude towards e-cigarettes has created a new hazard: pet exposure.
Pets & Traditional Cigarettes
Most pets aren’t drawn towards regular cigarettes. They don’t smell great, nor do they have any sort of overly alluring appeal. Occasionally, a particularly chewy dog will show interest, but for the most part, they just don’t bother.
While regular cigarettes contain anywhere from 8 to 40 milligrams of nicotine each, the main risk for most pets has always been second and third-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke is smoke that actively hangs in the air during and right after the process of smoking itself. The toxins and chemicals from the smoke that adhere to furniture and other surfaces are considered third-hand smoke because they linger for much longer.
Similar to humans, pets who live with smokers are more likely to develop obesity issues, breathing problems, and even cancer. In the case of traditional cigarettes, cats are more likely to develop more long-term health issues than dogs because they self-groom and ingest more toxins.
Pets & E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes have caused a great deal of concern when it comes to pet safety. Most of the problem stems from the fact that nicotine is an incredibly toxic poison; the average pet body can’t process or eliminate it properly. Making the issue even more serious is the fact that the concentration of nicotine in e-cigarettes is much higher.
According to Healthy Pets, a single cartridge (equivalent to one or two cigarettes at a time) may hold up to 80 milligrams of nicotine. A container designed to be used as a source of refills may contain up to 50 milligrams per teaspoon. These are incredibly high, extremely dangerous numbers.
The Pet Poison Helpline has reported a significant increase in nicotine-related calls in the years since e-cigarettes hit the market. While dogs are more likely to have problems related to e-cigarette liquids, cats may become exposed, too, especially if you happen to spill even a few drops of liquid.
One of the main concerns is that the flavorings used to enhance liquid nicotine are much more appealing to animals, making them more likely to chew cartridges. A cat or dog who chews through even a small cartridge would instantly receive a fatal dose of nicotine in seconds via oral mucous membranes.
Why is liquid nicotine more toxic than traditional? One of the main issues, aside from the higher doses they are exposed to, is the way it is absorbed into the body. A pet would have to chew and swallow a traditional cigarette, which means the liver would have the ability to filter some of the poison out of the body. Liquid nicotine can be absorbed via your pet’s mucous membranes and skin. These routes bypass the liver, resulting in higher concentrations of the toxin ending up in the bloodstream.
E-Cigarette Poisoning & Your Pets
Nicotine is toxic no matter what the amount ingested, but small amounts can quickly lead to signs of distress. The less your pet weighs, the more toxic it becomes. The liquid in refill cartridges is also absorbed by the body much faster than a traditional cigarette would be, meaning your pet can go from fine to sick fast. In fact, symptoms may begin in as few as 15 minutes or up to an hour after ingestion.
Most animals that ingest nicotine will begin to vomit. They may also become irritated, begin drooling excessively, and develop diarrhea. While some animals may have an elevated heart rate, it is common for heart rates to drop alongside blood pressure. These symptoms are a medical emergency.
The higher the dose, the greater the risk. Pets who have ingested very high doses may develop muscle weakness, become lethargic, have seizures, or die from severe heart or respiratory issues.
What to Do If Your Pet Is Poisoned
The sooner you take action, the better. Suspect an issue but aren’t 100 percent sure there was an ingestion? Start by calling 888-426-4435 to speak to someone at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Or, call 855-764-7661 to speak to someone at the Pet Poison Helpline.
Don’t waste time if your pet is already showing symptoms. There isn’t much you can do at home and your pet will need immediate care. Head to the nearest emergency vet instead, and bring any remaining product with you in a safe container. It may help your vet to judge how much he absorbed.
Your vet may attempt to make your pet vomit if he isn’t doing so already. They may also use activated charcoal to try to absorb more of the nicotine and get it out of your pet’s system. IV fluids help flush the toxins out of the body faster.
Your pet may receive a number of other medications depending on his symptoms. Blood pressure medications will reduce heart issues and anti-seizure medications will help stop convulsions. Your vet will also assess your pet for other injuries caused by chewing on the electronic device and it’s batteries. In most cases, your pet will be kept overnight for constant monitoring and reassessment.
How to Protect Your Pets
Your pets are part of your family and keeping them safe from poisons should be a top concern. Store all of your cartridges and refill liquids in a safe and secure location where pets can’t get to them and put some thought into purchasing pre-filled cartridges to eliminate your risk of spilling in an area where your pets may be exposed.
Never leave your e-cigarette or refill supplies unattended, even if you are simply running to the bathroom or answering the phone.
Consider vaping outside if you have pets of any kind inside the house. Birds are especially sensitive, with delicate respiratory tracts, and should be kept from any kind of smoke. Like cats, they are prone to additional exposure if they have to groom toxins from their feathers.
Remember, your pets love to use their mouths and noses to explore the world around them. They’re also loyal to you and will be curious about the things you use on a daily basis. Exposure to e-cigarettes and related vaping products is now considered a major hazard for pets of all types. Do your part to minimize your pet’s exposure so that they can live long, happy lives by your side.