We all know nicotine poses serious health threats, and according to the Pet Poison Helpline, nicotine poisoning in pets is on the rise.
“We have handled cases for dogs and cats poisoned by eating traditional cigarettes or tobacco products containing nicotine for many years,” says Ahna Brutlag, DVM, DABT, DABVT and associate director of veterinary services at Pet Poison Helpline. “As the use of e-cigarettes has become more widespread, our call volume for cases involving them has increased considerably.”
“We have handled cases for dogs and cats poisoned by eating traditional cigarettes or tobacco products containing nicotine for many years,” says Ahna Brutlag, DVM, DABT, DABVT and associate director of veterinary services at Pet Poison Helpline. “As the use of e-cigarettes has become more widespread, our call volume for cases involving them has increased considerably.”
What makes these cigarettes attractive to dogs are the wide array of scents and flavors. Your dog smells the aromas, and wants to ingest them.
In addition to the scent being alluring to dogs, Brutlag, explains that the issue is the amount of nicotine in each cartridge.
It measures between 6 mg and 24 mg. “Each cartridge contains the nicotine equivalent of one to two traditional cigarettes,” she says. “Many people don't stop at two, so nicotine poisoning in pets has a rapid onset of symptoms — generally within fifteen to sixty minutes following ingestion.
Cats are especially susceptible to health hazards from e-cigarettes.
Propylene Glycol, one of the primary ingredients in the e-cig’s vapor, can lead to “Heinz body,” where the red blood cells become damaged. Cats can ingest this substance by licking or chewing on the device.
Large doses of propylene glycol can trigger a blood disease known as “Heinz body” anemia in cats. Heinz body damages red blood cells. Typically cats contract Heinz body from medications or from eating onions (Dogs can get Heinz body by eating onions as well).
"Heinz body" (cats) symptoms include:
In addition to the scent being alluring to dogs, Brutlag, explains that the issue is the amount of nicotine in each cartridge.
It measures between 6 mg and 24 mg. “Each cartridge contains the nicotine equivalent of one to two traditional cigarettes,” she says. “Many people don't stop at two, so nicotine poisoning in pets has a rapid onset of symptoms — generally within fifteen to sixty minutes following ingestion.
Symptoms for dogs and cats include:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- agitation
- elevations in heart rate and respiration rate
- depression
- tremors
- ataxia
- weakness
- seizures
- cyanosis
- coma
- cardiac arrest
- collapse
Propylene Glycol, one of the primary ingredients in the e-cig’s vapor, can lead to “Heinz body,” where the red blood cells become damaged. Cats can ingest this substance by licking or chewing on the device.
What does propylene glycol do?
Large doses of propylene glycol can trigger a blood disease known as “Heinz body” anemia in cats. Heinz body damages red blood cells. Typically cats contract Heinz body from medications or from eating onions (Dogs can get Heinz body by eating onions as well).
Cats can also get Heinz body by licking up “pet safe” antifreeze which contains propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol, because it is considered more pet safe than the latter.
Due to its toxicity to cats, it was declared unsafe for cat food in 1996 and removed as a cat food additive.
Due to its toxicity to cats, it was declared unsafe for cat food in 1996 and removed as a cat food additive.
"Heinz body" (cats) symptoms include:
- discolored skin
- fever
- loss of appetite
- pale lips and gums
- reddish-brown urine
For more information about the dangers of e-cigarettes in regards to your pet, call your pet's veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680.
