In recent years, e-cigarettes have become increasingly popular as an alternative to smoking. But did you know they pose a risk to your pets?
The risks
The liquid cartridges used in e-cigarettes are poisonous if ingested.
The smell of liquid nicotine in the e-cigarettes is incredibly tempting to dogs and those with flavours can be even more alluring.
An average cartridge contains the same nicotine as 1-2 regular cigarettes and a small dog could be severely poisoned by just 1 cartridge.
Multiple cartridge ingestion can result in death for any size dog and as cartridges can be regularly bought in multi-packs, the risk of fatal poisoning is very real.
Symptoms of nicotine poisoning
These are signs to watch out for: –
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Excessive Panting
- Agitation, followed by depression
- Tremors
So, if anyone in your family uses e-cigarettes, keep them well out of reach of pets and if you believe your pet may have ingested any quantity, contact a vet immediately. Quick action could save your pet’s life.
As ever, if you have any queries about your pet’s health, please call us on 01435 864422.
Heathfield Vets – Quality Care with a Friendly Face
