Vaping FAQs

is secondhand vaping dangerous for cats

by Ursula Satterfield Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Second-hand vapor can provoke an allergic reaction in humans, as well as cats. Propylene Glycol aka PG is a base in most e-liquids. It is considered safe for consumption, but people do have allergies to propylene glycol

Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH₃CH(OH)CH₂OH. It is a viscous, colorless liquid which is nearly odorless but possesses a faintly sweet taste. Containing two alcohol groups, it is classed as a diol. It is miscible with a broad range of solvents, includin…

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Second-hand inhalation of vaping pens can cause respiratory distress, but long-term exposure can cause cancer of the lungs, sinuses, and nasal passages. Additionally, if a pet chews on or eats a vape pen, they may be at risk of serious poisoning.Apr 5, 2022

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.

Are vape pens safe around dogs and cats?

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.

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.

Can secondhand vape harm your lungs?

Chemicals used to add flavor to vape juices have been implicated as possible causes of serious and permanent lung damage in people who vape. Some of these chemicals have also been found in secondhand vape aerosol. Stick to low- or no-nicotine vape products The less nicotine in your vape products, the better for you and everyone around you.

What happens if a pet has a heart problem?

What to do if your pet chews on nicotine?

What are the side effects of THC?

Is nicotine poisoning fatal?

Can a dog have seizures from nicotine?

Can you vape outside?

Is vaping safe for dogs?

See 4 more

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Is secondhand vape bad for cats?

In 2016, the World Health Organization announced that second-hand aerosols from e-cigarettes are a source of hazardous air quality for people and pets. Breathing in the toxins increases your pet's risk of developing respiratory problems and cancers of the lungs, sinuses, and nasal cavities.

Is it safe to vape around my cat?

A: No. E-cigarettes are electronic smoking devices, or ESDs, which heat, vaporize and emit numerous harmful chemicals that expose pets and people to substantial risk. If your son must vape, he should do it outdoors to protect Smoky and the rest of the family from the ESD emissions.

Can vape smoke hurt my cat?

For this reason, many people use vaping as a way to quit smoking. The catch, however, is that the liquid used in vape pens contains a whole host of other toxic chemicals, that when ingested or inhaled, can cause harm to people, dogs and cats.

Can you get second hand vape smoke?

"Aerosols from vaping contain heavy metals and ultrafine particles," Islam said. "If somebody else is vaping in the same area, you're breathing it – those particles are entering your lungs, where they can do damage."

How long does vape smoke stay in the air?

Even in a poorly ventilated area with windows shut, any smells from vaping should be gone in only ten minutes or so, instead of lasting around for hours like smoking. When one is vaping outdoors in comparison, the smell from your vape will hardly be noticeable at all and will disappear extremely quickly.

Why is my cat obsessed with my vape?

The organic compound within menthol produces reactions akin to catnip, a natural high may ensue if a cat is exposed to enough of this chemical.

Can cats be allergic to vaping?

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.

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 I vape around my cat Reddit?

Propylene glycol is the main ingredient in any e-cig mix, and it's toxic to cats. I highly suggest anyone reading this that loves their pet, keep the vape away or keep the pg ratio in your vape mix low.

Is smoking around cats bad?

When cats groom themselves, though, they also ingest thirdhand smoke particles that fall onto their fur. Studies show that cats living in smoking households have a two- to four-times increased risk of an aggressive type of mouth cancer called oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Can you vape around?

Don't vape around children or other high-risk people Infants and children, pregnant people, and those with allergies and lung conditions have a higher risk for adverse effects from exposure to secondhand vape aerosol.

Can I vape around my hamster?

Since nicotine is toxic to pets, you need to ensure that all of your vaping equipment is kept well away from your furry friend. The primary risk that vaping presents to pets is the e-liquid itself. This is very dangerous since even small amounts of e-juice could kill an animal.

Is Vapour Smoke Bad For Dogs? Dangers Of Vaping & Ecigarettes To Pets

Symptoms of e-cigarette poisoning. Dogs are often tempted by the smell of the liquid nicotine in e-cigarettes. Symptoms generally appear very quickly after ingestion and can include sickness, diarrhoea, agitation, heavy panting and a rise in heart rate.

Vaping and Dogs: Is It a Safe Alternative Around Your Pets?

Malchi. Malchi Basics Feisty, small, and cute, the Malchi will win you over with their friendly and fun personality. This fairly recent designer dog breed is a result of crossbreeding a Chihuahua to a Maltese, in an effort to create a small breed dog that exhibits the best traits of both parental breeds.

Is it Safe to Vape Around Pets? | VaporFi

Reading Time: 3 minutes If you ever read the labels on your e-juices, they clearly state: “keep away from children and pets”.This is because most e-juices contain nicotine, which, if consumed, can be extremely dangerous for kids as well as pets.

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 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 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.

Can a dog have seizures from nicotine?

A dog or cat experiencing seizures as a result of the nicotine poisoning would be given anti-convulsant medications, Flint says. 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.

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.

Is vaping safe for dogs?

At this time, ingestion of vaping products is the biggest known hazard to animals. Since pets, especially dogs, tend to explore their environment with their noses and mouths, it’s important to keep vaping products stored in a safe place, out of your pet’s reach, at all times.

What is vaping, exactly?

When someone vapes, he or she inhales the aerosol produced by a liquid, commonly known as e-juice, heated by a vape pen or “e-cigarette”. While no burning is involved, the act of heating the chemicals in the e-juice can create new (and more dangerous) chemicals, such as formaldehyde.

Can dogs get sick from nicotine?

Unfortunately, some animals are more at risk than others. Large breed dogs and mixes, for instance, may get sick from ingesting a small amount of nicotine, but the same amount might be fatal in a small canine or a cat. In either case, it’s important to seek help immediately in order to minimize the risks.

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.

Is e-juice safe for dogs?

E-juice itself can contain numerous ingredients, most of which are dangerous to dogs and cats. Some may include carrier solvents such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, and additional contents that include flavoring compounds and nicotone. In locations where marijuana is legal, THC-infused e-juice might also be available. It’s a misconception that vape pens contain less nicotine than traditional cigarettes. The truth is, levels can vary, and some may actually contain quite a bit more.

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 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.

Can a pen cause a blockage in the GI system?

In addition to poisoning risk, ingesting the cartridge or the pen itself can cause a fatal blockage in an animal’s GI system.

How Are Some Pets Vulnerable to Vaping?

We’ll take a look at several things here that are applicable to dogs, cats, and birds. [Again, not applicable to fish — just don’t go blowing bubbles into the tank ].

How Can You Protect Your Pets When Vaping?

While there is a lot of debate over vaping and pets, a lot of the research that promotes keeping pets away from vape smoke is compelling. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Make sure to do the following to protect your pets from vapors:

What to do if my dog is sick after vaping?

If your dog seems sick or lethargic for any reason after vaping, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Can a dog get sick from a vape pen?

If your cat or dog gets a hold of a vape pen or e-cigarette, they might mistake it for a snack, which can make them sick. Some vape pens have tiny screws or buttons that aren’t visible, which can give your pet access to the chemicals within the device.

Can cats vape?

Cats in general are vulnerable to upper respiratory tract infections, and vaping can make them more likely to develop these illnesses. Cats also have excellent olfactory abilities and can smell chemicals in food, hair, clothing, and other things long after your own senses fail to pick them up. This means that your pet may still smell and be affected by the vapor clinging to you and your clothing even if you are vaping outside. Some cats may also become stressed from the effects of the vapor, leading to a decrease in their general wellness.

Is vaping harmful to pets?

Although your pet may not notice the vaping action directly, the fumes from vaping can be harmful. Pets are susceptible to scents and odors, including flavorings that are found in vape juices.

Can you use a vape pen on a dog?

And I’ll give it to you straight away — yes, using an e-juice vape pen around cats, dogs, or birds is not safe.

How do you know if your pet has a lot of nicotine?

Some symptoms show when an animal has ingested large quantities of nicotine. When an animal has ingested nicotine, it will most likely vomit, appear agitated and may even drool and have some form of diarrhea. Liquid nicotine in an animal’s system can spike its heart rate. Nicotine consumed at a large quantity can lead your pet to look depressed and can lower its heart rate to the point that can precede death. This varies due to the size of the pet. If the pet is small, then small traces of nicotine can affect it, but if the pet is big in size, then it may not be in danger to poisoning.

Why is it dangerous to smoke around birds?

So this makes it very dangerous to smoke around them because there is a higher chance of giving them respiratory problems.

What to do if your pet is vomiting?

Animals that are vomiting can be given anti-nausea medication from the doctor to reduce the vomiting.

Is vaping bad for pets?

As far as scientific studies show, there are no known dangers to your pets surrounding vaping. Although vaping is smoke, so it is always best to vape in ventilated areas. When it pertains to smoking tobacco, research shows that exposing pets to second-hand tobacco smoke can up the chances of your pet developing respiratory diseases. The International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health had found that vaping can worsen the indoor air quality of a home. This begins to increase the concentration of hydrocarbons, aluminum, and nicotine. These are vital compounds that are known to cause heart disorders and lung diseases. So increasing the frequency of these elements can affect you and your pets.

Can pets get sick from vaping?

There has been a decline in the number of reports of pets becoming sick. Due to the new use of e-cigarettes and the less use of traditional tobacco cigarettes. Some vaping products can exclude nicotine and other considerably harmful chemicals which would leave the e-liquid with PG/VG.

Does nicotine cause heart rate to spike?

Liquid nicotine in an animal’s system can spike its heart rate . Nicotine consumed at a large quantity can lead your pet to look depressed and can lower its heart rate to the point that can precede death. This varies due to the size of the pet.

Can pets get sick from smoking e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes usually contain liquid nicotine, which is known to be poisonous to pets. There has been a decline in the number of reports of pets becoming sick.

What percentage of cats have Heinz bodies?

Even in healthy cats, approximately 1 to 2 percent of red blood cells will have Heinz bodies, but their increased risk means that it should be minimized as much as possible.

Is PG bad for cats?

Why Propylene Glycol is Bad for Cats. It’s now well established that PG isn’t good for cats, and this is because of its effect on the red blood cells: it increases the quantities of “ Heinz bodies ” among them.

Can you vape over cat food?

The best advice is to just exercise some caution about where you blow the vapor, as in, don’t blow it directly into your cat’s face (even if it’s funny), and don’t vape all over their food or water. The aim of the game is to minimize your cat’s exposure, but as long as you avoid these more obvious forms of exposure vaporized PG isn’t anything to be concerned about. Vapers who’ve asked vets whether PG from vaping is anything to worry about have received this same response.

Is PG E liquid safe for cats?

Will Vaping PG E-Liquid Harm My Cat? Although propylene glycol (PG) is generally recognized as safe for humans and most pets, cats actually have a unique sensitivity to the chemical.

Is PG cat food safe?

PG was used as a preservative and a (cheap) source of carbohydrates in cat food until 1992, and although it’s still used in foods for all other animals (and ours), the FDA officially declared it unsafe for cat s in 1996. Onions also cause Heinz bodies in cats, which is why they should also stay off the menu.

Should I Worry About Using an E-Cig Around My Cat?

The fact that the issue was detected because PG was put in cats’ food until the 90s should immediately allay some fears. Research has shown that the effect is dose-dependent: in testing, five weeks of feeding cats PG in ordinary cat-food like quantities (1.6 g per kg in body weight) increased the percentage of Heinz bodies to 28, and after three weeks eating higher quantities (8 g per kg) it went up to 92 percent.

How long does it take for a pet to show signs of nicotine poisoning?

Depending on the amount consumed, nicotine can be a very rapid-acting toxin. Usually, a pet will show signs of poisoning within one hour.

Can a pet self detox from nicotine?

If your pet has ingested a small amount of nicotine, they might self-detox through vomiting. However, this does not mean that you can simply ignore the situation.#N#Vets recommend you take them to a veterinary clinic anyway so that they can do a full check-up. Furthermore, a vet may give some additional treatment to slow down heart rate and stop the tremors.

Can pets eat e-liquid?

The packaging of e-liquids is childproof so even if a child does manage to get their hands on a bottle, they will be safe. However, most pets have teeth sharp that can break e-liquid bottles. As a result, they might end up ingesting some liquid. If you can keep your e-juices away from your pets, your vaping will have almost no impact on them.

Can cats smoke?

Cats can inhale secondhand smoke, but they can also lick up toxic substances accumulated on their fur when they groom themselves. This licking can result in ingestion of carcinogens and can cause mouth cancer. Cats living with smokers are at a higher risk of developing malignant lymphoma as well as squamous cell carcinoma. Second-hand vapor can provoke an allergic reaction in humans, as well as cats. Propylene Glycol aka PG is a base in most e-liquids. It is considered safe for consumption, but people do have allergies to propylene glycol.

Is it safe to smoke with pets?

Second-hand smoke can be just as dangerous as direct smoking. If you smoke indoors , everyone is subject to the same dangers and consequences you face . This includes children and pets, so it is imperative that you make the right choices. Second-hand smoke can lead to lung damage, increased blood pressure, and heart disease. It is hard to know the exact dangers your pets face, but one thing you know for sure – they have lungs and a heart, too.

Is second hand smoke harmful?

The harmful effects of smoking have been known for some time now. Although the dangers for smokers is clear, second-hand smoke has emerged as a threat to non-smokers. Not only is second-hand smo ke responsible for the deaths of many people every year, smaller victims like cats, dogs, and other household pets also fall ill because of second-hand smoke. This is because of the chemicals found in second-hand smoke. There are at least 4000 chemicals found in cigarette smoke, altogether causing numerous adverse health issues for both people and animals.

Is smoking a pet a family member?

Universally, pets are considered family members. Special consideration should then be taken when making choices concerning smoking, like smoking indoors. Second-hand smoke is a danger not only to your immediate family, but to the heart and lungs of your pets, as well.

How to recognize nicotine poisoning in your pets?

If you suspect that your pet has ingested nicotine (or any other poisonous substance for that matter), here’s how you can assess if a trip to the vet is in order. Carefully viewing your pet’s gums and tongue can indicate if they have eaten something hazardous. If the gums or tongue turns entirely or partly blue, purple, white, brick colored or extremely bright red, seek immediate veterinary attention. Some other signs of poisoning include higher pulse rate, high temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, panting, seizures, lethargy, blood in stool, nosebleed, and sudden loss of appetite.

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 e-liquid?

Always keep e-liquids away from your pets. Most e-juice bottles are child-proof, but pets can use their needle-sharp teeth to pierce through the packing. So, your biggest concern is to make sure they can’t get anywhere near the e-liquids.

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.

Why are vapes dangerous for children?

Infants and children. Vape aerosols pose an especially high risk for infants and children because of their lower body weight and developing respiratory systems. , being exposed to even low concentrations of the components of vape aerosol can affect brain and lung development.

What is the chemical in second hand vape aerosol?

Secondhand vape aerosol contains flavorings, such as diacetyl, a chemical that may impair the function of cilia in the airway.

What is third hand smoke?

Thirdhand exposure is a thing, too. When someone who’s vaping exhales, the components of the aerosol doesn’t just go into the air — they also settle on surfaces. Trusted Source. . This is what’s referred to as thirdhand smoke (or aerosol). You can be exposed to these components when you touch a contaminated surface.

What percentage of people with asthma report vaping?

Based on the results of the 2018 Annual Asthma Survey by the Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Partnership, 14 percent of people with asthma reported that vaping or exposure to secondhand vape triggered their asthma symptoms.

Is vape aerosol harmful?

Its long-term effects are still being investigated. What we do know so far is that vape aerosol contains a number of harmful substances, including: There’s evidence that nonsmokers exposed to secondhand vape aerosol absorb similar levels of nicotine as people exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke.

Does vaping smell like candy?

This brief exposure probably isn’t a huge deal, but secondhand vape aerosol (the “smoke” from vaping) is definitely a thing, even if it smells like candy.

Is vaping safe?

The safety and long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes or other vaping products still aren’t well known. In September 2019, federal and state health authorities began investigating an outbreak of a severe lung disease associated with e-cigarettes and other vaping products#N#Trusted Source#N#. We’re closely monitoring the situation and will update our content as soon as more information is available.

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 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 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.

Can a dog have seizures from nicotine?

A dog or cat experiencing seizures as a result of the nicotine poisoning would be given anti-convulsant medications, Flint says. 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.

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.

Is vaping safe for dogs?

At this time, ingestion of vaping products is the biggest known hazard to animals. Since pets, especially dogs, tend to explore their environment with their noses and mouths, it’s important to keep vaping products stored in a safe place, out of your pet’s reach, at all times.

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