Is Vaping Near Pets Dangerous?
Like other chemical-containing products found around the house, vaping devices should be kept out of reach of pets. E-cigarettes contain chemical concoctions that may include nicotine, formaldehyde, propylene glycol, glycerin, and THC (the active compound found in marijuana)—and the inhalation or ingestion of these substances can be extremely harmful to animals.
At Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital, we take pet safety seriously. If you enjoy vaping and you have animals, it’s important to understand the dangers of vaping around pets.
Read on for safety information compiled by our caring team.
Can Vaping Kill Cats?
Propylene glycol is a primary ingredient in vaping products, and it puts your cat at risk of developing “Heinz body” anemia (a condition that both cats and dogs can get from eating people foods that are toxic to pets like onions or garlic). If you have a curious cat who likes to lick objects you leave out, she could ingest hazardous amounts of propylene glycol and become susceptible to this serious form of anemia, which damages red blood cells.
Can Vaping Kill Dogs?
Since dogs are more likely than cats to eat just about anything, the primary risk to dogs is from directly ingesting the liquid contained in e-cigarettes. Nicotine is extremely toxic to pets, and if your dog swallows a single cartridge, clinical signs of nicotine poisoning will present within 15 minutes and require immediate veterinary care. The consumption of one e-cigarette cartridge can result in death for a small dog.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to Vape Smoke?
Both cats and dogs can develop allergies to e-cigarette vapors that can present as hair loss, overgrooming, irritated or swollen skin, difficulty breathing, and coughing, among other symptoms.
Symptoms of Nicotine Poisoning
If you suspect that your pet has chewed on any of your vaping products or inhaled too much vapor, contact us immediately or get to the nearest veterinary emergency hospital. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Excessive drooling
- Diarrhea
- Rapid heart rate
- Seizures
Can I Vape in the Same Room as My Pets?
Pets and vaping products simply don’t mix. To protect your pet from the hazards of e-cigarettes, we suggest the following precautions:
- Keep all vaping products in a place that is inaccessible to your pets.
- Vape outside or away from your pets in a well-ventilated area.
- Ask guests to avoid vaping around your pets.
- Place discarded vaping products in a trash can with a secure lid.
Stay Vigilant With Pet Health and Safety
Being a responsible pet owner means protecting your furry companions from household hazards like e-cigarettes and staying up to date with annual wellness visits. Please contact us if we can answer more questions about vaping and your pets or to schedule an appointment.