Vaping Products and Pet Safety
Vaping products can be dangerous for pets.
Know the risks and what to do in an emergency.
Vaping products, including e-cigarettes, vape pens, cartridges and e-liquids, should always be stored securely and out of reach of animals, as they can pose serious risks to pets.
Why are vaping products dangerous for pets?
Many vaping products contain nicotine, which is toxic to dogs, cats and other animals. Liquid nicotine is particularly concerning because it can be absorbed quickly, and signs of nicotine poisoning can be seen within 15 to 30 minutes.
Signs of nicotine poisoning can include: vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, agitation, rapid breathing, high or low heart rate, high or low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, muscle weakness and wobbliness, respiratory depression, seizures, coma, and cyanosis (blue gums) and death are possible with high-dose exposures.
The liquid isn't the only hazard. Vape devices may contain batteries, plastic, metal or glass, and other toxic ingredients. If an animal chews or swallows these components, they can cause burns, injuries or gastrointestinal blockages.
What should I do if my pet gets into a vape?
Treat suspected exposure as an emergency.
If you think your animal has chewed, punctured or swallowed a vape, cartridge or vaping liquid, contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Nicotine can be absorbed rapidly, so early veterinary treatment is important.
You can also contact Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison service available in North America. Fees may apply.
Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661
If possible, bring the product or its packaging with you so the veterinary team can determine what it contained and how much your pet may have been exposed to.
How to Keep Pets Safe Around Vaping Products
Keep vaping products as carefully secured as you would medications or household chemicals.
- Store devices, pods, cartridges, refill liquids and batteries in a closed cabinet or secure container that pets cannot access.
- Don't leave vaping products on tables, counters, nightstands or other surfaces your animal can reach.
- Refill devices away from animals and clean up spills immediately.
- Dispose of used cartridges and disposable vapes in a secure container so pets cannot retrieve them from the garbage.
- Ask visitors to keep their vaping products safely stored.
Remember that child-resistant packaging is not necessarily pet-proof. Curious animals can chew through containers or devices that would normally be difficult for a child to open.
Cannabis Vapes
Some vaping products contain cannabis-derived substances such as THC or CBD. These can also cause poisoning in animals. Signs of exposure can include unusual sleepiness, difficulty walking, tremors, urinary incontinence and changes in heart rate or body temperature.
If you suspect your animal has been exposed to any type of vaping product, contact a veterinarian rather than trying to determine at home whether the amount was dangerous.
Prevention Can Save a Life
Vaping products may be small, but the risks they pose to animals can be significant. Keeping devices, liquids and accessories securely stored and knowing what to do in an emergency can help keep the animals in your home safe.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If you think your animal has been exposed to nicotine or another vaping product, contact a veterinarian or animal poison control service immediately.
