TailVilleWhy
Nicotine is a toxin that acts quickly on pets' nervous systems and hearts. E-cigarette liquid cartridges and nicotine patches are far more concentrated than a cigarette or butt, so even a small amount can be dangerous. Nicotine gum often contains xylitol too. Signs can appear rapidly, within 15 minutes to an hour.
How to give it / if eaten
If your pet ate any, call your vet or an emergency clinic and go in immediately, even without symptoms. Share the product type (cigarette, e-liquid, patch, gum), how many and when, and bring the packaging. Don't induce vomiting at home without a vet's instruction. If e-liquid got on fur or skin, wash it off with water while wearing gloves.
Watch for these signs
Within 15 minutes to an hour: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, panting, a racing heart and dilated pupils. Severe cases bring tremors, wobbliness and seizures, followed by weakness and slowed breathing.
FAQ
My dog ate one cigarette butt.
Butts still contain nicotine and can be dangerous, especially for small dogs. Call your vet right away.
My dog chewed an e-cigarette cartridge.
E-liquid is highly concentrated nicotine and very dangerous. Go to an emergency clinic immediately and bring the packaging showing nicotine strength.
General information only. Weight, age and health conditions change how a pet reacts, so ask your vet if you are worried.