Background info on nicotine poisoning - to be read before taking a consultation with a suspected nicotine intoxication patient

Even if the animal has licked, but not swallowed a tobacco product, it is still a good idea to consult a veterinarian. If the pet has swallowed a tobacco product or licked liquid for an e-cigarette and symptoms of nicotine poisoning occur, then it is an emergency.

Nicotine is found in many products and types:

The amount of nicotine in nicotine products varies considerably

- Nicotine chewing gum contains 2-4 mg of nicotine per piece, a cigarette 9-30 mg and a nicotine patch 10-100 mg per patch. The poison from traditional tobacco products is bound to other ingredients and is absorbed relatively slowly and therefore does not quickly cause respiratory arrest and death by suffocation. The dog often vomits when the ingredients in the products irritate the stomach, and death is therefore often avoided.

- E-cigarettes are a new problem. Their liquid contains many flavoring substances, which can especially motivate the dogs to lick and eat them. The nicotine is in liquid form and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream from the GI tract, mucus membranes and skin. In Finland, nicotine liquids can be sold in 10 ml refill containers, with a maximum nicotine content of 20 mg/ml. A refill container can thus contain up to 200 mg of nicotine. Even more are found in those imported from abroad. So such a container can be fatal for any dog, says Kaisti.

Treatment options after ingestion:

At the vet, if necessary, you can induce vomiting in the dog or flush the dog's stomach and, as a minimum, give medicated charcoal and keep the dog under observation while on IV fluids. If necessary, drugs that relieve spasms or various other drugs are given if the circulation collapses.

Activated charcoal:

- Binds and neutralizes any toxins in the body. Carbon suspension 150 mg/ml (100 ml with 15 g of activated carbon) can be bought without a prescription at some pharmacies. 

- The dose of charcoal suspension is approximately 7-30 ml/kg.

- The volume is quite large, but start with the smallest amount and give more if your dog can tolerate it.

- Try giving the charcoal suspension with a syringe in the corner of the mouth at a slow pace to reduce the risk of the dog swallowing incorrectly. Some dogs will eat it alone if you try to mix the carbon suspension with some wet food.

How much should you give?

See calculation example per kg body weight below:

- 2 kg 15-60 ml

- 10 kg 70-300 ml

- 20 kg 150-600 ml

- 25 kg 175-750 ml

- 30 kg 210-900 ml

Symptoms of nicotine poisoning

The symptoms of nicotine poisoning depend on the dose and the dog. It has been reported that a lethal dose ranges between 20-100 mg per Dog*. The nicotine dose obtained from tobacco products is higher and more dangerous when eaten than when smoked, so the dose can quickly become toxic if the product is ingested. 

Symptoms usually start quickly, about 15 minutes after nicotine intake. Untreated poisoning can lead to paralysis of the respiratory muscles and the dog can even die, as it cannot breathe.

- Tremors

- Weakness

- Decreased general condition

- Overactivity

- Breathing difficulties

- Salivation, nausea, vomiting/diarrhoea

- Dilated or very small pupils

- Slow/fast/irregular pulse

- Cramps

Preventive information for the pet owner

Cigarette butts, used vapes and nicotine chewing gum are unfortunately some times found on our streets and this is a problem because our pets often explore the world with their mouths and dogs are particular keen to eat discarded items.

Keep a good eye out for discarded items when walking your dog and stop the dog eating discarded items when ever possible. 

It is therefore a good idea to practice opening your dogs mouth to pick out items. Bartering with treats helps this learning. If your dog will accept this then you have more chance of preventing possible poisoning.

Make sure keep any nicotine products that you may have in your house or car out of react of your pets.    

(Nicole C. Hackendahl, DVM, and Colin W. Sereda, DVM: The Dangers of Nicotine Ingestion in Dogs ASPCAPro Veterinary Medicine Toxicology Brief m)