My Dog Ate a Nicotine Pouch: What to Do Right Now
If your dog ate a nicotine pouch, call your vet or a pet poison line now. Signs to watch for, how fast they start, how much nicotine is dangerous, and what not to do.
If it just happened
- Call now, don't wait for symptoms: your vet, an emergency vet, or a 24/7 pet poison line.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply)
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (charges a per-incident fee)
- Have the can in hand. Tell them the brand, the strength in mg, how many pouches are missing, whether they were new or used, and your dog's weight.
- Don't make your dog vomit or give antacids unless the vet says so.
- Pick up the rest, including the can and any used pouches.
Signs usually start within 15 to 60 minutes of eating nicotine, according to Pet Poison Helpline, so act before your dog looks sick.
In one sentence: A nicotine pouch can poison a dog quickly, so call your vet or a pet poison line right away and have the can ready.
Why nicotine pouches are dangerous to dogs
Nicotine is toxic to dogs at small doses, and pouches concentrate it. The MSPCA-Angell veterinary hospital reports clinical signs at doses as low as 1mg of nicotine per kilogram of body weight, and a median lethal dose in dogs of 9.2mg per kilogram.
Put against common pouch strengths:
| Pouch strength | Dog weight at which one pouch reaches 1mg/kg |
|---|---|
| 3mg | 3kg (about 7 lb) |
| 6mg | 6kg (about 13 lb) |
| 9mg | 9kg (about 20 lb) |
| 12mg | 12kg (about 26 lb) |
That's the level at which signs can start, from one pouch. Small dogs, puppies, several pouches or a high-strength can are all more serious. These numbers are for understanding the risk, not for deciding whether to call: call either way.
Signs to watch for
Pet Poison Helpline lists these signs of nicotine poisoning in dogs and cats:
- vomiting and diarrhea
- agitation or restlessness
- fast heart rate and fast breathing
- lethargy or depression
- tremors, wobbliness or weakness
- in severe cases, seizures, blue gums, collapse or coma
What the vet may do
There's no antidote for nicotine, so treatment is about getting it out and supporting your dog. Depending on timing and dose, a vet may induce vomiting, give activated charcoal, start IV fluids, and monitor heart rate and blood pressure. MSPCA-Angell notes that dogs given a high dose do much better if they can be stabilized through the first four hours, and that low-dose cases generally have a good outlook.
Pet Poison Helpline also advises against giving antacids at home, because stomach acid slows how fast nicotine is absorbed.
Cats too
Cats can be poisoned the same way, and because most cats are small, a single pouch is a larger dose for them. Follow the same steps.
Preventing it
- Keep cans closed and up high, not in coat pockets, bags or on low tables.
- Throw used pouches in a closed bin, or use the can's disposal lid. Never leave them on the floor, in the car or in an open trash can.
Children are at risk too. If a child swallows a pouch, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, as Poison Control advises. Our guide to what happens if you swallow a pouch covers people.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your vet or a pet poison line can tell you what to do for your dog.
Nicotine pouches are for adults 21 and older. Nicotine is addictive.