NICOTINE / VAPE LIQUID TOXICITY IN DOGS/CATS
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Nicotine—including cigarettes, vape liquids, nicotine gum, or patches—can cause rapid- onset vomiting, tremors, agitation, collapse, or sudden death. Vape liquids are especially dangerous due to high concentration.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Tiny ingestion of low-nicotine products
MEDICAL CAUSES
• Licking nicotine patches
• Chewing cigarette butts
• Small ingestions of vape liquids
EMERGENCY CAUSES
• Any ingestion of high-strength vape liquid
• Tremors
• Collapse
• Seizures
• Severe vomiting
RED FLAGS
• Shaking
• Panting
• Drooling
• Collapse
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Seek immediate veterinary care
• Bring product packaging
• Do NOT induce vomiting unless advised
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• ECG
• Blood pressure
• IV fluids
• Anti-seizure medications
• Activated charcoal (depending on product)
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Nicotine toxicity
• Seizures
• Heart rhythm abnormalities