what does vape smoke do to cats

Vaping puts cats (and dogs) at a dual risk: from nicotine, and from the chemicals in the cartridges. E-cigarettes contain a number of harmful chemicals, toxic metals and carcinogenic particles. A common ingredient in e-cigarettes, propylene glycol

, can lead to red blood cell damage in cats known as “Heinz body.”

Full Answer

Is vaping bad for cats?

One of the dangers is nicotine, which is commonly found in cartridges for vaping. And nicotine should be of concern because, for cats, it's very toxic. Generally, cats can handle 5 mg of nicotine per pound of body weight before it reaches toxic levels. And an e-cigarette cartridge can contain anywhere from 6 mg to 24 mg of nicotine.

What happens if you smoke around your cat?

Other Respiratory Issues – As well as asthma, there are other respiratory problems that your cat can pick up if you smoke around him.

How do e-cigarettes affect cats?

The vapor is inhaled and then exhaled, just like a regular cigarette. E-cigarette use is also known as vaping. Vaping puts cats (and dogs) at a dual risk: from nicotine, and from the chemicals in the cartridges. E-cigarettes contain a number of harmful chemicals, toxic metals and carcinogenic particles.

How much nicotine is safe for cats to vape?

Generally, cats can handle 5 mg of nicotine per pound of body weight before it reaches toxic levels. And an e-cigarette cartridge can contain anywhere from 6 mg to 24 mg of nicotine. Of course, the cat isn't actually vaping with you. But if your cat gets a hold of a cartridge that he or she finds particularly flavorful, it could be very serious.

Is vape smoke bad for cats?

Avoid vaping in enclosed areas with pets. Dogs and cats, for instance, have a mucous membrane in the mouth and skin. The nicotine and other harmful toxins in the smoke can travel through this channel into their body. The nicotine and other chemicals in the smoke make vaping more dangerous to pets compared to humans.

Can cats get secondhand vape smoke?

“What we do know is that second-hand smoke can affect a pet's respiratory health and increase his risk for cancer of the lungs, nasal cavity and sinuses. Electronic cigarettes may lessen these risks but not eliminate them completely.”

Is it safe to vape around pets?

SPCA is urging people not to smoke or vape near their pets, as research shows second-hand smoke and nicotine from e-cigarettes can have serious health effects on animals, just like humans.

Is my vape making my cat sick?

However, pets do get into the cartridges and develop signs [of nicotine poisoning].” Those signs can include vomiting, agitation, and high heart rates, Wismer said. And that's just for starters: “Large liquid ingestions then block the nicotine receptors and cause lethargy, low heart rate, and low blood pressure.”

Can cats get nicotine poisoning?

Nicotine poisoning in pets has a rapid onset of symptoms – generally within 15 to 60 minutes following ingestion. Symptoms for dogs and cats include vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, elevations in heart rate and respiration rate, depression, tremors, ataxia, weakness, seizures, cyanosis, coma, and cardiac arrest.

Can vape irritate cats eyes?

Respiratory irritation and long-term effects of second-hand smoke (vapors) can develop in some pets. Some dogs and cats can have difficulty breathing, coughing, panting, wheezing or experience irritation to their nose and eyes.

How long does vape smoke stay in the air?

While particles from conventional cigarette smoke linger in the air for upwards of 45 minutes, researchers found that those stemming from e-vapor products evaporate within seconds, even indoors.

Can cats be allergic to smoke?

Environmental Allergies Additionally, cats can be allergic to cigarette smoke, perfume, and cleaning products. All of these are a product of the environment that your cat lives in that could cause problems for the feline. When possible, try to avoid any products that seem to irritate your cat or cause allergies.

What happens if a cat licks vape juice?

The primary danger is in direct ingestion. Cats, much like dogs, will often eat or lick things you leave out. If your cat chews on your e-cig, there is a chance she could ingest some of its contents and become susceptible to Heinze body anemia. But even the vapor can be dangerous to your cat.

Can cats be allergic to vape?

Cats can develop either contact or respiratory allergies to the vapor if it activates the immune system. Allergies are the result of an overly aggressive response by a specialized type of immune cell known as a mast cell to a protein present in the e-cigarette liquid.

Are cats attracted to nicotine?

Some cats are attracted to the products like chewing tobacco that are supplemented with flavors such as honey, molasses, syrups and other sugars. The toxic level of nicotine in cats is 5 milligrams of nicotine per pound of body weight.

Is vaping safe?

The risk of second-hand exposure to vape aerosols is significantly less dangerous than that associated with cigarette smoke – but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. In 2016, the World Health Organization concluded that second-hand aerosols from e-cigarettes are an air contamination source of hazardous particulate matter, which poses a risk to anyone breathing it in. 1 For this reason, many jurisdictions have banned vaping in public areas. Not surprisingly, the risk goes up for children and animals, who are smaller and more susceptible to the effects of air pollution.

Is e-cigarette smoke harmful to cats?

The smell of the e-juice, whether the latter is flavored or not, can be appealing to animals. But while the flavoring and propylene glycol is certainly harmful, the nicotine is the primary danger. “Nicotine is toxic to pets because it causes depolarization in the nervous system,” says Dr. Krause. “This causes stimulation at first, followed by depression. Respiratory depression can be fatal. The liquid nicotine cartridges contain concentrated levels of nicotine, which is readily absorbed in the mouth while the pet is chewing.”

Is vaping dangerous for dogs?

The risks of vaping around dogs and cats is twofold. The first potential danger is second-hand inhalation of the vapor. The second and more fatal risk is ingestion of the nicotine present in the e-juice, or ingestion of the vape pens themselves.

What to do if your pet chews on nicotine?

If you discover your pet has chewed on an e-cigarette or cartridge or gotten into your nicotine, you should take her to the veterinarian right away. If the pet has not vomited already, the doctor may try to induce vomiting or give the animal activated charcoal to bind the nicotine, Flint says. Animals that are throwing up or drooling may be given anti-nausea medications. Sometimes, intravenous fluids are administered to speed up the removal of nicotine from the animal’s body and help treat hydration and blood pressure problems.

What happens if a pet has a heart problem?

If problems with the heart rate or blood pressure develop, the pet would receive heart medication. Pets often stay at the hospital where staff would monitor their hearts and breathing and watch for neurological symptoms, Flint says.

What are the side effects of THC?

Other side effects of THC include hypersensitivity to noise, dribbling urine and enlarged pupils.

Is nicotine poisoning fatal?

In most cases, nicotine poisoning is not fatal. If they receive prompt veterinary care, pets usually recover, says Dr. Charlotte Flint, senior consulting veterinarian with the Pet Poison Helpline—an organization that reported 86 cases of pets being exposed to e-cigarette liquid in 2017, up from 80 cases in 2016.

When did electronic nicotine delivery systems start?

Electronic nicotine delivery systems were introduced in the U.S. about ten years ago , according to the Consumer Advocates for Smoke Free Alternatives Association, and many adults use e-cigarettes in an attempt to quit smoking.

Can a dog die from nicotine poisoning?

The dog’s size makes a difference, too. “The smaller the dog, the less nicotine it can take.”. In most cases, nicotine poisoning is not fatal.

Can you vape outside?

Ideally, vaping should be done outside, away from your pet , says Mahaney. To be on the safe side, he also recommends marijuana users not exhale in the presence of their pets.

What are the dangers of e-cigarettes?

A common ingredient in e-cigarettes, propylene glycol, can lead to red blood cell damage in cats known as “Heinz body.”. Another common ingredient, diethylene glycol, may cause acidosis and kidney damage. E-cigarettes also post additional risks from ...

What is an e-cigarette?

E-cigarettes feature a cartridge that holds nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals, a vaporizer. and a battery. The vapor is inhaled and then exhaled, just like a regular cigarette. E-cigarette use is also known as vaping.

Is e-cigarette smoke bad for cats?

E-Cigarettes Are Toxic to Cats. We’ve previously covered the dangers of secondhand smoke for cats: cats living with smokers are twice as likely to develop malignant lymphoma than those in non-smoking households. Cats with five or more years of exposure to tobacco smoke were at more than three times greater risk of developing lymphoma.

Can cats get lymphoma from smoking?

Cats with five or more years of exposure to tobacco smoke were at more than three times greater risk of developing lymphoma. Studies also suggest a link between oral cancer in cats and exposure to tobacco smoke. Some smokers are now using electronic, or e-cigarettes, and it turns out that the vapor from these devices is highly toxic ...

How Do E-Cigarettes Work?

E-cigarettes are battery-operated vaporizers that come in various shapes such as a long cigarette, pipe, cigar, pen, or USB memory stick, which simulates smoking cigarettes.

E-Cigarettes & Vaping Safety

The safety of E-cigs is yet to be determined. Until recently, evidence suggested vaping was safer than traditional smoking, but data was inconclusive. There are now claims of vaping-related illnesses. According to the U.S.

The danger of Vaping to Pets

There are several dangers of vaping to dogs, cats, and other pets. These include:

How Much Toxicity is in an E-Cigarette Cartridge?

There is a significant variation in the nicotine concentration contained in cartridges and bulk liquids. It is estimated that each E-Cigarette cartridge contains on average 6 mg to 24 mg of nicotine.

Signs of Vaping E-Liquid Toxicity in Dogs

Clinical signs of vaping E-Liquid toxicity in dogs and cats are dependent upon the amount and the concentration of the e-liquid ingested or absorbed relative to your dog or cat’s body weight. The signs of toxicity generally begin within 15 minutes to 45 minutes of ingestion.

Treatment of Vaping E-Liquid Toxicity in Dogs & Cats

The immediate treatment is to reduce the amount of vaping E-liquid in the stomach while keeping your dog or cat alive until the substance is broken down by the body. Despite treatment, some dogs and cats that have ingested large amounts of E-liquid may not survive. Treatments your veterinarian may recommend include:

The prognosis for Vaping E-Liquid Toxicity in Dogs

The prognosis is good when small amounts are ingested, and treatment is prompt and aggressive. The prognosis is poor with large ingestions. If your dog or cat survives the first four to five hours, the prognosis is considered good. Most of the nicotine is eliminated from the body within 16 to 20 hours.

What is E-Cigarette Allergy?

E-cigarettes contain a large number of chemicals, including nicotine and tiny particles of metals, including heavy metals, and the liquid that the nicotine is suspended in is either propylene glycol or vegetable glycerine.

Symptoms of E-Cigarette Allergy in Cats

Symptoms of allergies in cats are typically exhibited as skin problems, regardless of the type of allergy. Allergy symptoms caused by secondhand vaping are likely to be centered on the head and ears of the cat but may show up anywhere on their body.

Causes of E-Cigarette Allergy in Cats

Cats can develop either contact or respiratory allergies to the vapor if it activates the immune system. Allergies are the result of an overly aggressive response by a specialized type of immune cell known as a mast cell to a protein present in the e-cigarette liquid.

Diagnosis of E-Cigarette Allergy in Cats

The veterinarian examining your cat will most likely be prompted by the condition of the skin to collect a sample from an affected area using a technique known as skin scraping.

Treatment of E-Cigarette Allergy in Cats

The best way to treat a feline allergy to the vapor or liquid in E-cigarettes is to eliminate it from the cat’s environment completely.

Recovery of E-Cigarette Allergy in Cats

Allergies may take quite some time to clear up, and this can lead to some additional complications and to stop animals from constantly itching and scratching themselves, some cats may require an Elizabethan collar.

E-Cigarette Allergy Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

My roommate vapes in the house and since she’s moved in my cat has begun sneezing. He’s very sensitive to dusts and stuff in the air I have to get him low dust litter to help with it. Right now he just sneezes a lot but is normal otherwise.

How to keep pets away from vaping?

If your pets are in the room when you vape, add some ventilation to the space. Open a window or turn on a fan, and keep that fan directed away from your vape pen and your pet. If you use a vape container with nicotine, invest in a good room air purifier or filter, and change its filter or cartridge often.

How does a vape pen help smokers?

Controlling the amount of nicotine in a vape pen can also help smokers break their addiction gradually , much like using smoking cessation patches. The flavors of vape juices also help calm the cravings of smokers, so they avoid gaining weight as they quit smoking.

What to do if your pet ingests vape juice?

Be sure to take your pet to an emergency veterinarian when you notice any of these signs, especially if you know they've ingested your vape juice. If you do suspect nicotine poisoning, tell the veterinarian what your pet ingested and, if possible, how much.

How do you know if your dog is a nicotine poisoner?

Note some common symptoms of nicotine poisoning in a cat or dog, so you know when to get your pet to a veterinarian: Sudden weakness in the legs. Tremors, shaking. Vomiting. Change in heart rate or rapid heartbeat. Lethargy, inactivity. It's also good to be aware of your pet's reaction to your vape pen.

Why do people vape plain juice?

Vaping plain juices is a way to relax and enjoy some delicious fruity flavors without the calories of standard desserts. Electronic cigarettes can also help smokers kick the habit without feeling jittery and nervous just because they miss the feeling of a cigarette between their fingers.

Can birds use nicotine pens?

Ensure they have room to move away from hot, bothersome vapors if they prefer. Vape pens with nicotine can pose a particular risk to birds, however, as their small lungs are especially sensitive to irritants, air pollution, and toxins of any kind.

Can dogs use vape pens?

Many vape pen users also don't stop vaping after going through just one full container, which increases the amount of nicotine to which you expose your pets. E-cigarettes also pose a particular risk to dogs, as many such pens contain juices with flavoring and added scents to enhance the vaping experience.

Is second hand smoking the same as smoking?

It is an established fact that second-hand smoking affects people pretty much the same way as it does the smoker. There are hundreds of dangerous chemicals in the smoke of the tobacco cigarettes, and studies show these can cause countless diseases such as lung diseases and heart problems, among pets.

Can pets get near e-liquid?

So, your biggest concern is to make sure they can’t get anywhere near the e-liquids. Always charge cartridges away from your pets, as they can instantly pounce on it in case it falls down accidently.

Is vaping fun?

Vaping is fun, and you should try to keep it that way, or a little carelessness can cause irrevocable damage. If you’ve pets, be a responsible owner and a responsible vaper.

Can dogs eat vapes?

The answer is: yes, as long as you vape responsibly. In fact, dogs usually love the smell of the vape and chase the clouds. Even some dog foods have PG in them, although it’s a subject of hot debate whether it’s a good ingredient or not.

Can you vape around pets?

While you can enjoy your vape around pets, it’s better to vape away from them. Or at least make sure there is proper ventilation when you’re vaping. Even if you use an external charger to charge the batteries, your pets shouldn’t be in the same room. In case of any mishap, instantly call your vet and take your pet to the nearest hospital.

How does vaping help you?

It provides an avenue to limit or control their nicotine intake without actually missing a traditional cigarette and the withdrawal effect. When you control the nicotine you vape, you can break the habit gradually. Also, there are many benefits to vaping, which many people find attractive. The presence of abundant flavors allows you to curb your craving without missing traditional tobacco. However, to be a responsible pet owner, be sure to be aware of the health risks involved in vaping. With this guide, you can enjoy vaping without worrying about the health implication of your furry friend.

How to keep vapes from getting burnt?

Keep all vape gears safely locked up. Dispose of used batteries safely as pets could chew them , which can expose them to poison, causing burns. If you store anything within reach of your pets, make sure to clean it thoroughly so that the aromatic scents will not attract.

Can you use non nicotine vape juice on pets?

Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash. When Vaping Around Pets, Use Non-Nicotine Vape Juice: Bear in mind that pets and nicotine are horrible combinations. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, there is an increase in incoming calls related to nicotine poisons in pets from vaping.

Can dogs smoke vapes?

Dogs might find the yummy scent of e-liquid enticing. According to the Animal Poison Control Center, the nicotine content and other ingredients are toxic to your pets. As a result, you are better off keeping vape smoke away from your pets. This is important for people that love vaping indoors.

Can pets have access to vaping gears?

This is the same way you should treat your vaping accessories like vape atomizer, cheap vape juice , vape mods, batteries, etc. Make sure your pet cannot have access to the gears behind your back.

Is vaping around pets safe?

Important Safety Tips to Guide You When Vaping around Pets. Having pets around should not stop you from enjoying your vaping sessions. However, you need to be smart with vaping such that your pets are safe, and everyone is happy afterward. Here are some safety precautions to observe.

Is vaping smoke bad for dogs?

Effect of Vape Smoke on Pets. Without a doubt, vape smoke is harmful to pets. However, it is essential to know how your furry friend will react to vape smoke poisoning. Watch out for the following symptoms as an effect of second-hand smokes in dogs: Diarrhea;

Why does my cat smoke?

Problems Caused by Smoking Around Cats. Asthma – Inhaling cigarette smoke is a common cause of feline asthma, and the respiratory disease is as unpleasant for cats as it is for us humans. It isn’t just wheeziness or shortness of breath that will alert you if your cat has become asthmatic; look out for things like his lips ...

Can cats get cancer from smoking?

Cancer – The risk of the big ‘C’ isn’t limited to human smokers, or passive smokers; your cat is also much more likely to develop lung cancer if you smoke around him.

Is it bad to smoke cigarettes on cats?

The Dangers of Cigarette Smoking Around Cats. I’m not going to lecture you on the rights and wrongs of cigarette smoking (it’s entirely your choice), BUT it is well documented in various research studies that the effects of passive or second-hand cigarette smoking are almost as bad as smoking itself. A cat’s lungs are almost identical ...

Can cats get sick from chewing on their fur?

He’ll be ingesting the damaging chemicals from his fur as he grooms, and increasing his risk of developing mouth cancer. Nicotine Poisoning – Nicotine is toxic to cats, so if your curious cat finds any cigarettes or tobacco lying around and decides to have a chew, at best he’ll get sick, and at worst it could be fatal.

Can you smoke in a cat free room?

If you have a designated ‘smoking room’ that’s a cat-free zone and the only room where smoking is allowed then that’s a good option too, but remember that the smoke will still be able to travel under the door and into the rest of the house, so it’s not the ideal solution.