Many of us think that as long as we provide our dogs with food, shelter, and our love that they will be happy and healthy. However, sometimes there are things in the environment that could actually be hurting them. Some of these harmful things could even be some of our daily life habits. You'll might be surprised when you realize how harmful e-cigarettes can be for your beloved dog!
The Reason E-Cigarettes Are Bad For Your Dog Is:
People use e-cigarettes to try to cut back on tobacco, but it is important to realize that these products are filled with liquid nicotine and still remain a hazard for pets. Electronic cigarettes contain a rechargeable battery , a cartridge that contains liquid nicotine and an atomizer that vaporizes the liquid for inhalation.The liquids inside can vary from those not containing any nicotine to those containing up to 16 milligrams of nicotine per milliliter of liquid. Most tobacco cigarettes contain only eight to 40 milligrams of nicotine total. People who use e-cigarettes often buy refill containers. This more concentrated refill liquid nicotine may contain up to 100 milligrams per milliliter which is diluted by the user to a lower concentration when refilling e-cigarette cartridges. It is the more concentrated liquid cartridges and larger-volume containers of nicotine liquid that pose the greatest risk for poisoning in pets.
The most common clinical sign in dogs and cats with nicotine ingestion is vomiting. With higher doses of nicotine, the receptors become blocked, and tremors and seizures can be seen, along with lethargy, muscular weakness and death from respiratory muscle weakness and heart arrhythmias.
The most dangerous thing about nicotine in liquid form is that it can be absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes of the mouth in dogs, cats and humans. Normally with oral doses, the liver removes much of the nicotine before it reaches the bloodstream, but transmucosal routes avoid the liver.
As you can see, many people might think that e-cigarettes are better than traditional ones but because they still contain nicotine they can still be poisonous for dogs. They can even more dangerous because they contain a more concentrated amount of nicotine.
One of the ways to tell if your dog is getting sick because of an e-cigarette if they vomit after you use one or seem more lethargic, have seizures or seem to be weak. Now that you know how harmful e-cigarettes can be for your dog you will want to make sure they are not able to reach them so that they can stay safe.
To find out more about why e-cigarettes could harm your dog, you can go to VetStreet.
