E-Cig Toxicity and Your Pet

Electronic cigarettes (commonly referred to as E-cig, personal vaporizer or Electronic cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery system), are becoming increasingly popular and with that is an increased risk of toxicity to dogs and cats. What are E-Cigarettes? Electronic cigarettes are marketed as nicotine replacement products to replace smoking traditional cigarettes. E-cigarettes provide smokers with a smoke-free source of nicotine, commonly referred to as "vaping". E-cigs are battery-operated vaporizers in the shape of a long cigarette which simulates smoking cigarettes. The E-cigs are filled with E-liquids which contain nicotine. The liquids are purchased in cartridges Ð and packaged in groups of 5 to 100 cartridges. The atomizer in the E-cigarette heats the liquid which turns it into a vapor which is then inhaled. It creates a vapor cloud that looks like cigarette smoke. The E-liquid contains a mixture of ingredients including nicotine, flavorings, glycerin and propylene glycol. The E-cigs produce an aerosol that resembles smoke and gives the "smoker" the satisfaction of smoking. Are E-Cigarettes Safe? The safety of E-cigs is yet to be determined. Some evidence suggests that it may be safer than traditional smoking but data is not conclusive. Studies regarding the effects of the vapors have not been completed. Sciencenews.org goes on to say that "people may think vaping is safe, but FDA has seen no data establishing anything like that". The flavored e-liquid can contain 10 times the amount of nicotine as traditional cigarettes. The flavoring and aroma in the E-liquids makes them attractive and enticing to some dogs to ingest. There are three problems with ingestion of e-cigarettes for dogs and cats: 1. Ingestion of the plastic casing can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction 2. Oral trauma can occur from the sharp plastic when chewed and 3. Nicotine Toxicity from ingestion of the E-liquid How Much Toxicity is In an E-Cigarette Cartridge Each E-Cigarette Cartridge contains 6 mg to 24 mg of Nicotine. One cartridge has the nicotine equivalent of 1 to 2 regular cigarettes. According to the petpoisonhelpline.com, "the ingestion of a single cartridge can result in clinical signs for a 50 pound dog and potentially death for a dog less than 10 pounds." What are Signs of E-cigarette E-Liquid Toxicity in Dogs The clinical signs of toxicity are dependent upon the amount and the concentration of the e-liquid ingested or absorbed relative to your dog's body weight. The E-cigarette E-Liquid can be absorbed when ingested as well as through the skin if the pet walks through spilled E-cigarette E-Liquid. The signs of toxicity are dose-dependent and generally begin within 15 minutes to one hour of ingestion. Many dogs will vomit naturally after ingestion. When large amounts are consumed, the effects can be life-threatening, but even small amounts can induce symptoms. Without treatment, nicotine toxicity can cause paralysis of the breathing muscles and your dog may die from an inability to breathe, sometimes within a few hours. If your pet exhibits any of the following symptoms, call your veterinarian. Tremors Weakness Stumbling and/or incoordination Depression Hyperactivity Lethargy (in high doses) Fast breathing or difficulty breathing Drooling Dilated pupils Vomiting Diarrhea Possible seizures Collapse Either bradycardia (slow heart rate), tachycardia (high heart rate) and/or cardiac arrhythmias If you have questions about this toxicity contact dr. Norette L. Underwood of Best Friends Vet Mobile Service and Trumann Animal Clinic at catdoc56@pcsii.com