Nicotine Poisoning in Dogs

Nicotine Poisoning in Dogs: More Dangerous Than You Think

You know nicotine isn’t great for humans—but did you know it can be downright deadly for dogs? Whether it’s cigarettes, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum, vape cartridges, or even those trendy pouches, your curious pup’s nose might lead them straight to a serious emergency. Dogs don’t know better. They smell something interesting, they lick or chew it—and suddenly you’re dealing with nicotine poisoning in dogs.

Let’s break down what that looks like, what to do if it happens, and how to prevent a scary situation in the first place.

First, What Exactly Is Nicotine?

Nicotine is a powerful stimulant naturally found in the tobacco plant. It affects the nervous system — in humans and animals alike—and in large enough amounts, it can be toxic or even fatal.

While people may use it in small, controlled doses (we’re looking at you, nicotine patches and vape pens), dogs are much more sensitive to it. Even a seemingly tiny amount can cause big problems.

How Much Nicotine Is Dangerous for Dogs?

The toxic dose of nicotine in dogs is estimated at 1 mg per pound of body weight, and 4 mg per pound can be fatal.

To put that into perspective:

• One cigarette contains 9–30 mg of nicotine

• One cigar can contain up to 40–100 mg

• A single nicotine pouch or piece of nicotine gum? 2–10 mg

• A vape cartridge? Up to 60 mg or more

It doesn’t take much, especially for small dogs. And because nicotine is rapidly absorbed, symptoms can show up in as little as 15 to 60 minutes.

What Are the Signs of Nicotine Poisoning in Dogs?

If your dog has gotten into anything with nicotine, you’ll want to act fast. Symptoms often hit hard and escalate quickly.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Vomiting and drooling

• Agitation or restlessness

• Rapid heartbeat

• Tremors or twitching

• Dilated pupils

• Weakness or collapse

• Seizures

• Abnormal breathing or panting

• Increased blood pressure

• Coma or death (in severe cases)

Early symptoms may look mild at first—just a little nausea or hyperactivity—but don’t wait it out. If your dog got into nicotine in any form, call your vet or an emergency animal poison control line immediately.

Common Sources of Nicotine Poisoning

You might be surprised how many things around the house contain nicotine these days. Here are some of the most common culprits:

• Cigarettes and cigarette butts

• Cigars

• Chewing tobacco or dip

• Nicotine gum, lozenges, or pouches

• Nicotine patches

• E-cigarettes and vape pens/cartridges

• Nicotine-laced water used in some vaping devices

Even discarded items—like an old vape cartridge or cigarette butt on a sidewalk—can be dangerous. Dogs are nosy. And they’ll eat gross stuff if you don’t catch them in time (Got a Goldendoodle? You REALLY need to keep your eye on them!).

What Should You Do If You Think Your Dog Ingested Nicotine?

Nicotine poisoning in dogs is a time-sensitive emergency. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Here’s what to do:

1. Call your vet or an emergency animal poison control center immediately.
   • ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
   • Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
2. Be ready to tell them:
   • What your dog ingested (brand/type of nicotine product)

   • How much they ate (if you know)

   • When it happened

   • Your dog’s size and weight

3. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet tells you to. Some nicotine products can cause additional damage coming back up.
4. Get to the vet ASAP. Treatment is most effective when started early.

How Do Vets Treat Nicotine Poisoning in Dogs?

Once you arrive at the vet, treatment depends on how much nicotine was ingested and how long ago.

Common treatments may include:

• Inducing vomiting (if ingestion was recent and it’s safe to do so)

• Activated charcoal to bind the toxin

• IV fluids to help flush the system

• Anti-seizure medication if seizures occur

• Medications to control heart rate and blood pressure

• Oxygen therapy in severe cases

Dogs treated quickly and appropriately often recover fully within 24 hours, though severe cases may need longer care.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

The best way to protect your dog from nicotine poisoning? Keep nicotine products locked up and out of reach. Seriously.

Here are a few easy prevention tips:

• Store cigarettes, vape pens, cartridges, and nicotine gum in high cabinets or locked drawers
• Never leave cigarette butts in ashtrays or on the ground
• Empty trash cans regularly (especially bathroom bins with nicotine patches or gum)
• Don’t let your dog roam freely in places where people smoke
• Be extra cautious in public parks, sidewalks, or near bars where butts might be tossed

And if you’re trying to quit smoking? Good for you! Just make sure those quitting tools—like gum or patches—are stored safely.

Let’s Talk About Pet Insurance (Before You Need It)

Nicotine poisoning in dogs is one of those things you never think about until it happens. And when it does, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you can afford the emergency vet bill.

Depending on the severity, treatment could cost hundreds to thousands of dollars—especially if hospitalization or advanced care is required.

That’s where pet insurance comes in.

With the right plan, emergency visits, diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up care can all be partially or fully covered. It gives you peace of mind that you’ll never have to choose between your wallet and your pet’s life.

Because accidents happen. Dogs eat weird stuff. And emergencies never wait for payday.

Final Thoughts: Keep the Nicotine for You (and Locked Away)

We love our dogs like family, and they love us right back—with zero understanding of what’s dangerous or safe. That vape pen on your nightstand? Your chewed gum in the trash? Your dog sees it as a new toy or a tasty treat. Nicotine poisoning in dogs is no joke.

Being proactive about safety—and prepared with pet insurance—means you’re ready for the unexpected.

If you haven’t looked into pet insurance yet, now’s a great time. It’s an easy way to protect your pup (and your bank account) from surprises like nicotine poisoning—and so much more.

References:

1. https://www.lung.org/blog/nicotine-poisoning-in-pets
2. https://vetmeds.org/pet-poison-control-list/nicotine-tobacco/#!form/PPCDonations
3. https://www.petmd.com/dog/poisoning/tobacco-nicotine-poisoning-dogs
4. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102924&id=4952080&ind=1327&objTypeID=1007

 

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.