is vaping bad for cat

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 it safe for my Cat to vape?

Vaping isn't safe for either people or animals. While vaping doesn't contain tobacco, it still contains an unhealthy amount of toxins and carcinogens. Vaping is, as far as we know at this point, less bad than smoking cigarettes. But it's not totally safe. Plus cats are super sensitive to any kind of odor or vapor.

What are the risks of vaping around pets?

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. Risk #1: Inhalation

Will vaping PG (propylene glycol) e-liquid harm my cat?

Will Vaping PG (Propylene Glycol) E-Liquid Harm My Cat? 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. This may cause concern for some vapers, since the majority of e-liquids are primarily composed of PG.

Is my cat sensitive to the smell of vaping?

I can't be around people who vape without having problems. It would make sense that your cat could also be sensitive or just not like the smell. Either way you might want to reconsider vaping at home. I would avoid vaping around your cat. Hi.

How much nicotine can a cat take?

Can cats pierce through packaging?

Can cats eat nicotine?

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.

Does vaping affect indoor air quality?

A study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health revealed that vaping worsened indoor air quality as a result of the nicotine, hydrocarbons and aluminum found in e-juice. 2 Another found that propylene glycol (commonly found in e-juice) can lead to red blood cell damage in cats. 3 Particles from the exhaled aerosol can settle on an animal’s fur, where it will be ingested when he grooms himself. “ At this time, there is limited study about the impact on human health of second-hand and third-hand exposure to electronic cigarettes,” says veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause. “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.”

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:

Why do pets breathe faster?

Pets also have faster breathing rates, which can cause them to inhale vapor at a faster rate if they are stressed.

Why is my dog more reactive to smells than people?

That is because their senses are much more powerful, and they cannot ignore them.

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.

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.

How do experienced vets answer your pet questions?

Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.

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.

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.

Can cats smoke?

Cats are so very sensitive to smells and allergens in the air. You shouldn't burn candles or light incense around cats, you shouldn't smoke or vape around them, etc. They can get asthma, pneumonia and lung cancer.

Can I vape around my cat?

I would avoid vaping around your cat.

Is vaping safe for animals?

Vaping isn't safe for either people or animals. While vaping doesn't contain tobacco, it still contains an unhealthy amount of toxins and carcinogens.

Is vaping bad for cats?

Vaping is, as far as we know at this point, less bad than smoking cigarettes. But it's not totally safe. Plus cats are super sensitive to any kind of odor or vapor. Don't vape around the kitty .

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.

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 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 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 much PG should a 4 kg cat inhale?

inhalation is not a problem, a 4 kg cat would have to inhale and retain 6.4 grams of PG every day. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2708106

Is it safe to give a cat a sandbox?

Safe enough for you then it's safe for your cat.

Can pets smoke?

Pets never make the active choice to smoke or vape, or do anything which we might do that would cause them harm.

Can you vape around a cat?

If it concerns you enough, don't vape around your cat.

How much nicotine can a cat take?

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.

Can cats pierce through packaging?

So lock everything up if you need to. Keep in mind that your cats can use their needle-sharp teeth and claws to pierce through any packaging.

Can cats eat nicotine?

Ingestion of nicotine should always be considered a medical emergency. But if your cat ingests nicotine through an e-cigarette cartridge, it will need immediate treatment because the nicotine will be absorbed much faster through the mucous membranes.