Nicotine (cigarettes, vapes, pouches and gum) in Pets

Vape pods, pouches and nicotine gum can poison a dog within minutes. Convert mg/mL and pieces into mg/kg and compare with the 1 mg/kg and 9–12 mg/kg figures in veterinary texts.

What It Is

Nicotine stimulates, and at higher doses blocks, nicotinic receptors in nerves and muscles. It is absorbed quickly through the mouth and gut. A dog that chews an e-liquid cartridge or a pack of nicotine gum can be poisoned within minutes.

Where Pets Come Across It

E-cigarette refills and pods, cigarettes and cigarette ends, nicotine pouches, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum and lozenges (which may also contain xylitol), and nicotine patches, which still hold nicotine after use.

Which Animals Are Affected

Dogs most often, because they chew pods and packets. Cats, birds and small mammals are also sensitive.

Published Toxic Dose

None of the sources below publishes a single owner-facing threshold. Veterinary toxicology texts commonly cite signs from about 1 mg/kg and potentially fatal doses around 9–12 mg/kg in dogs, but these are approximate. Product strength varies enormously: a cigarette holds roughly 10–20 mg of nicotine, pouches about 2–8 mg each, and e-liquids are labelled in mg/mL, often 3–50 mg/mL.

Nicotine (cigarettes, vapes, pouches and gum) Dose Exposure Calculator

Enter your pet's weight and estimated quantity missing to compare against veterinary literature thresholds.

Affected Species Dog (Canine) Cat (Feline)

Pet Body Weight

kg lb

Source Type Vape E-liquid (mL) Cigarette Butts (approx 6 mg each)

Volume (mL) or Count

Calculating...

Signs and How Soon They Appear

Signs usually begin within 15 to 60 minutes: drooling, vomiting, agitation, fast breathing and heart rate, tremors and twitching. Larger doses cause weakness, a slow heart, collapse, seizures and breathing failure.

What to Do Right Now

Call a vet or poison line immediately with the product type and strength. Gum and lozenges should be checked for xylitol too. Do not induce vomiting at home; nicotine can cause seizures quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and References

• Pet Poison Helpline: Nicotine
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

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