CONTRIBUTOR(S): Nicola Bates, Patricia Talcott, Fear Free,
E-cigarettes and pets
An electronic cigarette is a device that simulates tobacco smoking. It comprises an atomizer, a power source (usually a rechargeable battery), and a container such as a cartridge or tank filled with liquid (E-liquid, e-juice or vape liquid). There is no smoke, but the user inhales a vapor, hence the name vaping.
©Nicola Bates
What do e-cigarettes contain?
E-liquid is a solution of nicotine in propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and/or polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400). E-liquid is available in various strengths of nicotine (usually 3-36 mg/ml) and many different flavors. Note the highest strength legally available in the UK and Europe is 20 mg/ml (2%). Newer e-liquids may contain nicotine salts (nic salts) and can contain higher strengths of nicotine. This form of nicotine is less harsh and bitter than the traditionally used nicotine base and better tolerated by users. Electronic cigarette devices contain a battery which has the risk of being eaten by your pet. Vape devices are also used to smoke cannabis / tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), synthetic cannabinoids or cannabidiol (CBD).
How do e-cigarettes affect pets?
Serious effects from ingestion of e-liquid are uncommon in pets and people. Ingestion may cause vomiting, hypersalivation, anxiousness and increased heart rate, but most pets develop none or only mild signs following low-dose exposures. Other potential signs of nicotine poisoning include excitement, tremor, wobbliness, collapse, coma, respiratory distress and convulsions. If e-liquid is splashed in the eye it may cause redness and irritation.
What to do if my pet eats an e-cigarette or licks some e-cigarette liquid?
If you can do so safely, remove any pieces of the e-cigarette or e-liquid bottle from your pet’s mouth. ⚠️Do not attempt to make your pet vomit. Wipe any liquid off your pet’s fur. Contact your veterinarian for advice and be prepared to take your pet and the suspect material to the veterinary surgery, if required.
Will my pet recover?
Most pets that develop signs after low-dose ingestions of e-liquid recover within a few hours. In a small number of cases pets develop more serious signs and will require urgent veterinary care.
What information will help my veterinarian?
On arrival at the veterinary surgery someone will assess your pet immediately and make sure that its condition is stable before any other treatments are instigated. Your veterinarian will want to know:
- What your pet has eaten, including the nicotine concentration and volume of liquid involved.
- If your pet has swallowed the whole device or the battery component.
- If the electronic cigarette contained something other than a nicotine solution.
- How long ago the incident happened.
- If your pet is showing any signs of being unwell.
- If your pet is receiving any medication or has any pre-existing medical conditions.