Nicotine poisoning in dogs

Nicotine poisoning in dogs

By
✔ MRCVS
LMV
MSc
Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Macindoe
✔ MRCVS
BVMS
Updated March 10, 2026
4 min read

Overview

Symptoms

Risk

Diagnosis

Vet treatment

Home treatment

Prevention

When to worry

Share this article

Nicotine poisoning in dogs

Nicotine poisoning in dogs

By
✔ MRCVS
LMV
MSc
Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Macindoe
✔ MRCVS
BVMS
Updated March 10, 2026
4 min read

Nicotine poisoning in dogs can be very dangerous. It can develop when dogs ingest things like cigarettes, nicotine patches, nicotine gums, chewing tobacco or e-cigarette liquid. This intoxication develops very quickly, so it’s essential to speak to a vet straight away if you think your dog has ingested any products or objects containing nicotine.

Signs of intoxication develop within one hour, often as fast as 15 minutes. Vomiting is usually the first symptom. This often helps eliminate some of the nicotine and prevents further issues. In severe cases, nicotine goes on to affect the brain, nervous system and sometimes the heart. Most dogs that survive the first 4 hours go on to make a full recovery, but this intoxication can be fatal. Getting your dog to a vet to start decontamination treatment as soon as possible is essential.

What causes nicotine poisoning in dogs? >What causes nicotine poisoning in dogs? [Overview

Symptoms of nicotine poisoning in dogs >Symptoms of nicotine poisoning in dogs [Symptoms

Dogs at higher risk of nicotine poisoning >Dogs at higher risk of nicotine poisoning [Risk

How do vets diagnose nicotine poisoning in dogs? >How do vets diagnose nicotine poisoning in dogs? [Diagnosis

Veterinary treatment of nicotine poisoning in dogs >Veterinary treatment of nicotine poisoning in dogs [Vet treatment

Home treatment of nicotine poisoning in dogs >Home treatment of nicotine poisoning in dogs [Home treatment

Prevention of nicotine poisoning in dogs >Prevention of nicotine poisoning in dogs [Prevention

When to worry about nicotine poisoning in dogs >When to worry about nicotine poisoning in dogs [When to worry

Explore our vet recommended products
Shop Now

Share this article