Are e-cigarettes dangerous for pets too?

E-cigarettes are popular with younger generation as a gadget that allows a person to inhale an aerosol made up of nicotine, flavoring and other chemicals, but nicotine and other toxic substances they contain make them pose a similar risk to human health as regular cigarettes, and they even increase risk of inhalation of toxic nanoparticles from metals such as nickel, chromium and cadmium. However, dangers of e-cigarettes are not limited to humans; they are just as potentially threatening to pets, especially if they accidentally ingest e-cigarette liquid.

E-liquid is death knell for acute nicotine poisoning in pets. E-liquid is made by extracting nicotine from tobacco and then mixing it with a base (e.g., propylene glycol) and a number of flavorings, to which coloring and other chemicals (e.g., formaldehyde) may also be added. If your pet accidentally ingests a smoke bomb, they will quickly show signs of nicotine poisoning due to rapid absorption of liquid in gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms can be seen within 15-30 minutes of ingesting liquid, which is 2-3 times faster than poisoning from eating tobacco directly. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, irritability, shortness of breath, abnormal heart rate, and in severe cases, coma and death. Treating nicotine poisoning requires measures such as intravenous fluids, blood pressure and EKG monitoring, and medication, and in severe cases can last from a few hours to more than 24 hours.

Keeping e-cigarettes away from dogs

In addition to risks of e-cigarette liquids, e-cigarette devices and their batteries themselves can be subject of accidental ingestion by pets, with battery and casing posing a risk of damage or blockage to pet’s gastrointestinal tract. In case you bite through battery in process of gnawing, it can even lead to corrosion of digestive tract, causing even more trouble. In addition, xylitol, an ingredient that may be contained within e-cigarettes, can lead to a drop in your pet’s blood sugar and liver damage, and is also a substance that your pet simply cannot eat. Therefore, for safety of your pet, it is necessary to keep e-cigarettes and their related items properly stored so that your pet does not accidentally ingest or come into contact with these harmful substances. Maintaining a safe environment in your home, away from your pet’s reach is an effective measure against potential dangers.