Can Dogs Get Nicotine Poisoning?
We hate to say it, but the truth is in the research. Cigarettes are not good for humans. You may wonder if the same applies to our four-legged friends. At this point, there may be confusion about how a dog could encounter nicotine to begin with. Let us tell you that it is possible! The concern is that dogs may find cigarettes, cigarette butts, chewing tobacco, or nicotine gum around the house. Dogs chew anything they get their mouths on, even if it tastes horrible! Now that we got your attention, we must inform you that dogs can get nicotine poisoning. Allow us to dive deeper into the issue.
Our research concluded that the toxic dose for pets is 0.5 to 1 mg per pound of pet body weight. The lethal dose is 4 mg per pound of pet body weight. The good news is that nicotine is not absorbed directly in the stomach’s acid environment. The nicotine must move past the stomach into the small intestine for absorption. You must pay close attention to the signs associated with nicotine poisoning, which include:
- Drooling
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Excitement
- High blood pressure
- Twitching
- Constricted pupils
- Racing heart rate
Do you know or believe your dog has been in contact with nicotine? If so, you must contact the veterinarian immediately! Nicotine will be inactivated by a healthy liver, and its metabolites are excreted in the urine. One of the best things you can do is be proactive to ensure that nicotine products are out of reach of your four-legged friend!
