Pet owners are being urged to keep e-cigarettes and vape liquid out of reach of their animals, as experts warn that the common household items can be highly toxic to dogs and cats. The warning comes from Pet Plan, which highlights that dogs are particularly vulnerable to nicotine poisoning from e-liquids.
According to Pet Plan, the sweet aroma of liquid nicotine in e-cigarettes can be alluring to dogs, and non-tobacco flavours are especially enticing. If pets chew on refill cartridges left lying around, they could consume a large amount of nicotine—equivalent to one to two traditional cigarettes per cartridge. The casing itself can also cause mouth injuries or gastrointestinal blockages.
Nicotine poisoning in pets can occur rapidly, typically within 15 to 60 minutes of ingestion. Symptoms include agitation, weakness, and gastrointestinal upset. Pet Plan advises contacting a vet “as soon as possible” if poisoning is suspected, as prompt treatment is essential.
To prevent risks, owners should store all e-cigarettes, cartridges, and refill solutions securely out of reach of both pets and children. The warning follows a rise in e-cigarette use across the UK, with many households now containing these devices.
