E-Cigarettes Are Poisoning Pets, Vets Say

TAMPA, FL — National Poison Prevention Week is generally geared toward safeguarding humans, but veterinarians say pets are also at risk. That’s why pet healthcare professionals are working to raise awareness about an emerging danger posed by e-cigarettes.

"E-cigarettes are not a substance people think of that would be toxic to our pets but in fact we are seeing this more and more in our emergency rooms," Dr. Cathy Meeks of BluePearl Veterinary Partner’s Tampa hospital told Patch. "Cats and dogs are attracted to the scent of the flavored e-cigarette cartridges, and if ingested can cause serious symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and even death."

The Pet Poison Helpline has reported a 400 percent increase in the number of e-cigarette pet poisonings reported in 2015, compared with 2013, the first year such cases were tracked.

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Battery operated e-cigarettes are designed to atomize liquid that contains nicotine. This liquid is vaporized and inhaled. Vets say the liquid nicotine’s smell, especially if flavored, attracts pets. Liquid nicotine is highly toxic to pets and begins showing its effects in about 15 to 60 minutes.

“As more people use e-cigarettes, we’ve seen a dramatic jump,” Dr. Ahna Brutlag of the Pet Poison Helpline was quoted in a media release as saying. “People don’t realize how potent these little bottles of liquid nicotine can be.”

BluePearl shared the story of one if its four-legged patients, Lucy. The 1-year-old pit bull mix managed to get her paws on a vial of refill solution and ingested what might have been a lethal amount of the substance. Lucy’s owner Matt Harker contacted the Pet Poison Helpline and then reported to BluePearl in Elk Grove Village, Ill. Vets there swung into action, inducing vomiting and monitoring her overnight.

Lucy survived the ordeal.

“By immediately seeking veterinary car, Lucy’s owner substantially improved her chances for a full recovery,” BluePearl’s Dr. Breanna Erwin said.

BluePearl offers these tips for pet owners:

Keep e-cigarettes and their related materials away from pets. A locked, metal box is best.

Be careful of keeping supplies in purses, since pets are prone to dig in them.

If ingestion if liquid nicotine is suspected or confirmed, pet owners should contact a vet immediately.

Contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 for additional advice.

National Poison Prevention Week runs March 20-26. For more information about the annual observance, visit the Poison Prevention Week Council online.

Photo courtesy of BluePearl Veterinary Partners