Growing Concern of Nicotine Poisoning in Dogs in Ireland
Nicotine poisoning in dogs, once a rarity in Ireland, has been on the rise in recent years. This concerning trend has emerged in recent years as smokeless nicotine products have become more prevalent. The issue stems from dogs accidentally ingesting these discarded nicotine products found on the streets and in public spaces.
The utilization of vapes, e-cigarettes, and other smokeless nicotine products has witnessed a surge, catching the attention of many due to the presence of discarded products scattered throughout urban and natural environments. Regrettably, this situation poses a significant risk, as dogs might ingest these products, resulting in severe nicotine poisoning.
In addition to the growing risk of nicotine poisoning through discarded products in public spaces, it is imperative to highlight the potential dangers posed to dogs at home. Smokeless nicotine products, when not stored correctly within households, present an often-overlooked hazard to curious dogs. These products may be mistakenly accessed, leading to unintended ingestion and the associated risks of nicotine poisoning. As responsible pet owners, it is crucial to be vigilant about the safe storage of nicotine-containing items to ensure the well-being of our beloved pets. Properly securing these products can contribute significantly to safeguarding not only our families but also pets from the perils of nicotine poisoning.
Dr. Orla Fitzgerald MVB MRVCS, a leading vet, has expressed her concerns. "Merely four or five years ago, such incidents were exceptionally rare. However, it is now commonplace for dogs to be rushed to the vet after ingesting nicotine products. From my professional experience, I can confirm that nicotine poisoning in dogs is becoming a more prevalent issue. This is something all dog owners should be vigilant about," she cautioned.
Though precise statistics regarding nicotine poisoning cases remain unavailable, there have been an increase in reported poisoning cases in general. Orla Fitzgerald posits a connection between this surge and the proliferation of smokeless nicotine products during the same timeframe.
According to Gov.ie's Healthy Ireland survey 2022, usage of e-cigarettes among adults was 6% in 2022, with 3% daily use and 3% occasional use. Usage of e-cigarettes is highest among those aged under 25, with 11% in this age group currently using them either daily or occasionally.
"Unfortunately, proper disposal of the products after use is not consistently practiced. This negligence notably affects young dogs". Dr. Fitzgerald highlighted.
"Younger dogs are naturally curious and tend to explore their surroundings with their mouths. This curiosity puts them at higher risk if they ingest nicotine" she cautioned.
Dr. Fitzgerald explained that the flavourings added to these pouches could be enticing to dogs, leading to a greater likelihood of ingestion compared to, say, a discarded cigarette butt.
Nicotine poisoning primarily affects the nervous system, manifesting symptoms such as excessive drooling, vomiting, lethargy hyperactivity, agitation, pale gums, abnormally slow heart rate, weakness of the limbs, tremors, seizures and even paralysis, which can hinder a dog's ability to breathe. In severe cases, cardiac arrest is a possible outcome. The usual course of treatment involves hospitalization, observation, and intensive supportive measures, including intravenous fluids to aid in nicotine elimination.
Furthermore, aside from nicotine, dogs face other risks during walks. Remnants of drugs discarded in public areas can be perilous if ingested by dogs. Dr. Fitzgerald emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
"Ingesting drugs, especially hard substances, even in minute quantities, can have dire consequences for dogs. If you suspect your dog has consumed drugs, time is of the essence, contact your emergency veterinary care provider immediately. It's crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention, where urgent care can be provided – symptoms of nicotine-related toxicities can develop in dogs in as little as 15 minutes following exposure! " She advised.
Dog owners in Ireland are urged to remain vigilant and cautious during walks, ensuring that their pets do not come into contact with potentially harmful substances, including nicotine pouches and discarded drugs.
Agria is one of the world’s leading pet insurers. Agria Petinsure was established in Ireland in 2023 and is now a prominent feature of the Irish pet insurance industry, providing insurance for cats and dogs. Our mission is to provide the best care for pets and peace of mind for their owners by providing insurance solutions.
