Not Just Smoke and Mirrors: Vape Safety Around Pets

We all are pretty aware of significant hazards to our furry families. Most pet owners know that cars can kill and that they shouldn’t feed chocolate to their dogs. When it comes to pet safety, though, it’s often those common household items that are a part of our everyday lives that we forget can be dangerous that pose the biggest risk.

Animal Medical Hospital & Urgent Care wants our clients to know that vape safety around pets is essential. This increasingly common household item is becoming more and more implicated in veterinary toxicities.

Vaping is Not For Pets

While vaping may seem like a healthier alternative to smoking, it is not without risk. E-cigarettes indeed still contain potentially dangerous ingredients that pose a problem. 

It is not any different for our pets. While your dog or cat is not likely to be directly inhaling (most) of the vapors, vaping around them may expose them to toxic chemicals like formaldehyde.

The biggest concern regarding vaping and pets, though, is that those who vape have cartridges around that may end up in the mouth of a curious pet.

Nicotine concentration in the e-juice of a vape cartridge is much higher than a cigarette. Ingestion of e-juice can result in nicotine poisoning. Symptoms may include:

• Vomiting
• Agitation
• Increased heart rate
• Low heart rate and blood pressure later in the toxicity

Some people may also have vape cartridges that contain other substances like THC. Ingestion of these can result in whole different toxicity levels. 

Vapes may also contain compounds like propylene glycol, which is very toxic to cats.

Vape cartridges allow for a lot of toxin exposure in a small package and have flavors that make them attractive to pets. Their labeling may also make it difficult to know precisely what ingredients are in them. 

Vape Safety Around Pets

If you or any family or friends choose to utilize e-cigarettes, it is essential to familiarize yourself with vape safety around pets. 

Be sure to:

• Avoid vaping around your pet, especially in enclosed areas
• Keep your vape pen and cartridges in a secure location (ideally behind a secured door)
• Don’t forget to put coats and bags of houseguests in a safe area so that curious noses don’t find anything on accident
• Be sure to dispose of any vaping paraphernalia in a closed trash can

When it comes to pet safety, you can never be too careful. Being mindful of the things in your home and being sure that dangerous items are out of reach of your pets is always the best bet. 
If you think that your pet may have been exposed to e-juice in a vape cartridge or any other potential pet toxins, don’t hesitate to call us immediately. Quick action can make a big difference when it comes to poison ingestions.