TOBACCO POISONING TREATMENT  

With tobacco products being so widespread, it’s more important than ever to keep your pup safe. Nicotine is the most toxic ingredient found in all forms of these products and can be extremely dangerous if ingested – even small doses can prove fatal. To ensure that your beloved four-legged friend stays out of harm’s way, make sure they aren’t exposed by keeping any nicotine or tobacco items stored securely away from their reach as well as educating others about potential risks when around them outside. 

Dangers of Tobacco   

Nicotine, found in tobacco products, can affect your pup’s central nervous system within one hour of ingestion. Unfortunately, it’s extremely difficult to completely remove nicotine from their body once it enters the bloodstream. This will make it harder for your veterinarian to remove all traces of nicotine. To protect your dog’s health and wellbeing, it is important to keep all tobacco and nicotine products away.  

Potential Symptoms of Tobacco Poisoning  

The clinical signs of poisoning can range widely and can be both physical and psychological. Possible symptoms include:  

  • Vomiting  
  • Diarrhea  
  • Agitation  
  • Elevations in heart rate  
  • Elevations in respiration rate  
  • Depression  
  • Tremors  
  • Ataxia  
  • Weakness  
  • Seizures  
  • Cyanosis  
  • Coma  
  • Cardiac arrest 

Treatment   

Tobacco ingestion can be extremely dangerous for your pup. If you suspect that your dog has ingested any quantity of nicotine, get help immediately! Contact your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline® (855) 764-7661 without delay. A dog’s stomach acid can slow down the absorption of nicotine, so it is not recommended to give a dog an antacid if they consume tobacco or nicotine.  Your vet may induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal to bind the toxins.  They may also administer IV fluids in order to further support excretion efforts while stabilizing health concerns such as damage done to central nervous system, liver, heart & kidneys caused by tobacco toxins circulating throughout their body. Time is of the essence in nicotine toxicity, so don’t hesitate to get medical help.