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Nicotine and e-cigarette liquid
cigarettes, butts, nicotine gum, patches, vape liquid
A professional reference for veterinary specialists. It does not replace clinical judgement.
Species and toxic dose
| Species | Risk | Toxic dose |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Toxic | Minimum lethal dose 20-100 mg in total (not per kg), about 1-5 cigarettes. Content: cigarette 9-30 mg, butt 5-7 mg, cigar 15-40 mg, gum 2-4 mg per piece, patch 8.3-114 mg. Scientific article A study or review published in a scientific journal. Its findings apply to the animals and conditions it studied. |
| Cat | Toxic | The same minimum lethal dose of 20-100 mg in total is given for cats. Scientific article A study or review published in a scientific journal. Its findings apply to the animals and conditions it studied. |
Toxic principle
Nicotine first stimulates and then blocks nicotinic receptors (autonomic ganglia, adrenal medulla, brain, spinal cord, neuromuscular junction), ending in descending paralysis and respiratory arrest. Poorly absorbed in the acid stomach, well absorbed in the intestine and through the mouth; vape liquid is absorbed faster than tobacco.
Onset
Within minutes for vape liquid; usually within 1 hour.
Clinical signs
Early: vomiting, drooling, agitation, tremors, ataxia, tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnoea. Late: depression, weakness, seizures, paralysis, hypotension, arrhythmias, death.
Organs affected
Central nervous system, heart and circulation, digestive tract, neuromuscular junction.
Treatment principle (for veterinarians)
No antidote. Emesis or gastric lavage, then activated charcoal; intravenous fluids. Antacids are avoided because they increase absorption. Diazepam or barbiturates for seizures, oxygen or ventilation as needed. Prognosis is good if the animal survives the first 4 hours.
In the reference: Diazepam
A summary of the principles in the sources, not a protocol: doses and the plan are the treating veterinarian's decision.
Notes
Vape devices also carry battery and glass hazards, and some flavoured products contain xylitol.
See also: Button (disc) batteries
Sources
- Scientific article. Hackendahl NC, Sereda CW. The dangers of nicotine ingestion in dogs. Veterinary Medicine, Mar 2004:218-224 (toxicology brief) 2004
- Reference book. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine. Be smoke-free and help your pets live longer, healthier lives. fda.gov 2022
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Can vaping products harm my pet? ASPCA Poison Control experts explain. aspca.org news 2026
Professional reference for veterinary professionals. Not advertising and not a substitute for the product label/SPC.
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This reference is still growing. Missing a product? Let us know. · Report an error or request an addition · Updated: 22 Oct 2026