Did You Know That Nicotine Can Poison Pets?

Nicotine, as you probably know, is a component of tobacco. It’s also used for weaning people off of tobacco products, in the form of nicotine gum or patches. What you may not be aware of is that nicotine can actually poison our pets! Read on to learn more about nicotine poisoning in pets as your vet Ellicott City, MD elaborates below: 

How does nicotine poisoning happen?  

Nicotine poisoning occurs when a pet ingests something containing nicotine. Cigarettes or cigarette butts, cigars, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum, and nicotine patches are the most common culprits. (Nicotine gum often contains an artificial sweetener, xylitol, that is toxic to pets, doubling the risk!) Ask your veterinarian Ellicott City, MD about other potential sources of nicotine. 

Dogs tend to be diagnosed with nicotine poisoning more often than other pets, like cats. This is simply because dogs are less selective about what they choose to gobble up and eat. Your animal hospital Ellicott City, MD is quick to note, however, that any pet is at risk when they ingest something containing nicotine. 

What are the symptoms?  

It doesn’t take a lot of nicotine to cause problems. The toxic dose is a half-milligram to a milligram of nicotine per pound of body weight. After that, a pet will begin exhibiting symptoms such as weakness, drooling, tremors, vomiting, and an increased heart rate. Let your veterinarians Ellicott City, MD know immediately if your pet begins showing these symptoms. 

If a pet chows down on an entire pack of cigarettes, or a pack of nicotine gum, for instance, the results can be deadly. That’s why quick action is of the essence. Tell your vet clinic Ellicott City, MD immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested something containing nicotine. 

How is nicotine poisoning diagnosed? 

Because nicotine poisoning looks like a variety of other kinds of poisoning, it’s sometimes hard to diagnose. Your pet clinic Ellicott City, MD will probably diagnose it based on symptoms plus a health history that includes ingesting a nicotine product. It’s possible that cigarette butts or other products will be visible in your pet’s vomit, which aids in diagnosis. 

What’s the treatment?  

The first goal will be to stabilize your pet at your veterinary clinic Ellicott City, MD. Vomiting may be induced to get rid of the toxin. IV fluids may be given to combat dehydration and restore electrolytes. Blood-pressure medications or seizure-suppressing medications might also be required. 

From there, treatment focuses on supporting your pet while the liver metabolizes and excretes the remaining nicotine. Your animal hospital Ellicott City, MD will be there to help your pet along during their entire recovery. 

How can nicotine poisoning be prevented?  

Obviously, it’s far better to prevent nicotine poisoning in the first place, rather than deal with it at all. There’s one way to do this: restrict your pet’s access to any and all products containing nicotine. Never leave cigarettes, cigars, nicotine patches, nicotine gum, or chewing tobacco within reach of your pet. Ask your vets Ellicott City, MD about other substances in your home that could cause harm to a pet. 

To learn more about nicotine poisoning in pets, contact your pet clinic Ellicott City, MD today.