Our furry friends are naturally curious and tend to chew on anything they can get their paws on, including potentially harmful items.
If your dog ate a nicotine pouch, you must act quickly and seek immediate veterinary help. Nicotine, whether from cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or nicopods, can be toxic to dogs. Nicopods are especially dangerous because they often have a sweet flavor that dogs might find delicious. When left untreated, nicotine poisoning can lead to serious health complications and even death.
Learn how to recognize the symptoms of nicotine poisoning in dogs and how to react in this situation.
What Should You Do if Your Dog Eats a Nicotine Pouch?
If you suspect your dog has ingested a nicotine pouch, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Immediately contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline at (855) 764-7661 for guidance and assistance.
Symptoms of nicotine poisoning usually occur between 15 minutes and an hour after ingestion.
Vomiting is usually the first sign of poisoning, as the body tries to rid itself of the harmful substance. As more nicotine gets absorbed into the bloodstream, symptoms become severe and can include:
- Diarrhea
- Hyperactivity
- Drooling
- Constricted pupils
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Tremors and muscle twitching
- Weakness/lethargy
- Convulsions
- Ataxia (lack of muscle coordination)
- Seizures
How To React if Your Dog Eats a Nicotine Pouch?
The following steps can help you deal with the situation effectively:
- Assess the situation—Gather information on the type of nicotine pouch the dog ate, how much was ingested, and when it happened. This will help determine the level of toxicity and help the vet decide on the treatment
- Do not induce vomiting—Unless instructed by a veterinarian, do not induce vomiting, as this can cause further harm to your dog
- Limit activity—Keep your dog calm and limit their activity. Movement can increase heart rate and blood flow, which can accelerate the absorption and worsen the symptoms
- Provide supportive care—While on your way to the vet, try to keep your dog calm and comfortable. If they are exhibiting symptoms of nicotine poisoning, such as tremors or seizures, try to prevent them from hurting themselves. You can also offer small sips of water to avoid dehydration
Can Nicotine Pouches Kill Dogs?
Yes, nicotine pouches can be lethal to dogs if ingested in large quantities. A dose of 9–12 mg/kg of body weight is deadly for most dogs. Still, symptoms can occur with doses as low as 1 mg/kg. Nicotine pouches contain between 3–20 mg of nicotine per pouch, so even one pouch can be toxic for a small dog.
Even so, the severity of symptoms depends on the size of the dog and the amount of nicotine ingested. You can skim the table below for a quick reference on the amount of nicotine that can be poisonous for different dog sizes:
| Dog Size | Breed | Weight | Toxic Nicotine Amount |
| Extra Small | Yorkie, Chihuahua, Affenpinscher, Maltese | 0.45–4.6 kg | > 4 mg |
| Small | Boston Terrier, Poodle, Pug, Corgi | 5–11.4 kg | > 44 mg |
| Medium | Scottish Terrier, Beagle, Basenji, Dalmatian | 11.8–18.2 kg | > 106 mg |
| Large | Boxer, Cocker Spaniel | 18.6–31.8 kg | > 167 mg |
| Extra Large | Golden Retriever, German Shepherd | 32.3–40.9 kg | > 290 mg |
| XX-Large | Great Dane, St. Bernard | 41.4–50 kg | > 372 mg |
It’s also worth noting that some nicotine pouches contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and liver failure in dogs. Even if the nicotine content is low, xylitol can still be potentially fatal.
Source: Bruce Warrington
What To Expect During a Visit to the Vet
Diagnosis of nicotine poisoning in dogs is based on clinical signs and exposure. Your veterinarian will perform a physical check to detect abnormalities in your dog’s:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Respiration rate
- Body temperature
- Reflexes
- Weight
- Oxygen levels
Your veterinarian may also recommend tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, and blood chemistry panel, to confirm the presence and severity of nicotine poisoning.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) may also be performed to monitor your dog’s heart activity. In some cases, your vet may ask for X-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, or other imaging tests to check for damage to the internal organs.
Different Treatment Options for Nicotine Poisoning in Dogs
The primary goal of treatment is to prevent further absorption of nicotine and provide supportive care until the body can eliminate the toxin. The type of treatment depends on how much nicotine your dog ingested, the duration of exposure to nicotine, and the amount of nicotine left unabsorbed in the body.
Here are some standard treatment options for nicotine poisoning in dogs:
| Treatment Option | Description |
| Induced vomiting | Nicotine is poorly absorbed through the stomach lining, so inducing vomiting within 30 minutes to an hour of ingestion can help prevent further absorption of nicotine into the body |
| Stomach pumping | If vomiting is not enough, the vet may perform gastric lavage (stomach pumping) to empty as much of the stomach contents as possible |
| Activated charcoal | After inducing vomiting or performing gastric lavage, the vet may administer activated charcoal to bind to any remaining nicotine in the stomach and prevent it from being absorbed into the body |
| Intravenous fluids | IV fluids help flush out toxins from the body, rehydrate your dog, and maintain electrolyte balance. This is especially important if your dog has been vomiting severely or experiencing diarrhea |
| Oxygen therapy | If your dog has trouble breathing, the vet may administer oxygen to provide respiratory support and prevent hypoxia (low oxygen levels) |
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your furry companion may need to be hospitalized for 24–48 hours for close monitoring and supportive care. The vet will monitor their blood pressure, heart activity, and renal function to ensure no further complications arise.
Source: Mikhail Nilov
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How Long Do Dogs Take To Recover From Nicotine Poisoning?
The recovery period for nicotine poisoning in canines can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the timing of the treatment. If you seek medical attention within one hour, the prognosis for full recovery is four hours.
If treatment is delayed and your dog has experienced severe symptoms, such as seizures or cardiac arrest, the prognosis may be bleak, and recovery may take several days or weeks.
To expedite the recovery process, follow your veterinarian’s instructions for post-treatment care and monitor your furry friend closely for changes in behavior or symptoms. Should you notice any changes, contact your vet for further guidance.
How To Prevent Nicotine Poisoning in Canines
The best way to prevent nicotine poisoning in dogs is to keep all nicotine products securely stored and out of pets’ reach. This includes:
- Cigarettes
- Vapes
- Snus
- Chewing tobacco
- Dipping tobacco
- Nicotine gum
- Patches
- Lozenges
After you’re done using a nicotine pouch, make sure to throw it in a sealed trash can.
It’s also important to keep an eye on your dog while out on walks or in public areas. Canines are curious and may pick up anything they find on the ground, including cigarette butts or used nicotine pouches.
You can also educate yourself and others in your household about nicotine’s effects on dogs and the importance of preventing accidental exposure. By taking these simple preventative measures, you can keep your furry friend safe and healthy.
Source: Matthias Zommer
Precautions for Humans
When it comes to human consumption, remember that nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and as a responsible consumer, you should always use nicotine pouches in moderation. If you’re new to nicotine pouches, start with a low-strength product and gradually increase the dosage as you get used to the effects.
Nicopods are legal for adult consumers above 21 years of age. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an underlying condition such as heart disease or high blood pressure, avoid nicotine products altogether. If you have concerns or questions, consult your doctor before using nicotine pouches.
Even if you’re healthy, you should be selective about the products you consume, as well as where you buy them. Stick to trusted vendors offering high-quality nicotine pouches because subpar or stale nicopods can ruin your experience or affect your overall health.
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Where To Purchase Premium Quality Nicotine Pouches
Source: SnusBoss
You can get premium-quality nicotine pouches at SnusBoss, an online store that specializes in selling EU-manufactured nicopods. The team behind SnusBoss is a group of industry experts with years of experience in the sourcing and distribution of quality nicotine pouches.
Unlike nicopods made in the U.S., EU-manufactured nicotine pouches have more moisture, better quality control, and provide a stronger kick. In 2016, the FDA disincentivized further development of nicopod recipes by classifying them as smokeless tobacco products. Without such restrictions, European manufacturers have perfected their nicopod recipes for the past seven years, gaining a competitive edge over U.S. products.
At SnusBoss, you can find both popular and niche brands in one store, including:
| ZYN | Velo | Skruf | Snatch | Dope |
| Hit | Pik | Denssi | Glitch | Killa |
| Thunder | Pablo | Kurwa | Roger | Klint |
| Paz | Thor | Chapo | GOAT | White Fox |
| Jäger | Oryx | Kick | Siberia | Kozmo |
Nicopods from the above brands follow strict manufacturing standards and are made with high-quality ingredients, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
To get your hands on one of these delicious products:
- Visit the SnusBoss online store
- Select your preferred brand, flavor, and strength and add to the cart
- Proceed to checkout and provide shipping and payment information
If you opt for express shipping, you will receive your order within 2–3 days, and if you buy in bulk, you’ll also enjoy free delivery.
Featured image source: Kojirou Sasaki