If your dog eats a nicotine pouch, it’s not a “wait and see” situation. These small, tobacco-leaf-free packets are made for adult use and contain concentrated nicotine, and even a single pouch can be dangerous for pets.
Acting quickly (and knowing exactly what to do) can make a real difference. In this guide, you’ll find clear, practical steps to help you respond calmly, protect your dog, and prevent a similar scare from happening in the future.
Symptoms of Nicotine Poisoning in Dogs
Nicotine poisoning in dogs occurs when a pet absorbs more nicotine than their body can safely process. The symptoms can vary, depending on your dog’s body weight and the amount of nicotine consumed.
Symptoms typically progress from mild signs that appear within the first 60 minutes and become increasingly severe if left untreated for several hours. Typical signs of nicotine poisoning to look out for include:
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Drooling
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Restlessness
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Hyperactivity
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Tremors
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Difficulty breathing
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Seizures
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Collapses
Is Nicotine Toxic for Dogs?
Yes, nicotine can be toxic to dogs. Because dogs typically weigh much less than humans, even small amounts of nicotine can affect them quickly. According to the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists, 9mg to 12mg of nicotine per kilogram of body weight is considered potentially lethal.
However, symptoms of nicotine poisoning can occur in dogs when as little as 1mg per 1kg of body weight is consumed. Since nicotine pouches may contain 3–15 mg of nicotine, even one pouch can be dangerous, particularly for small dogs.
My Dog Ate a Nicotine Pouch. What Should I Do?
If your dog ate a nicotine pouch, the next steps are all about moving quickly and gathering the right information without adding extra stress for you or your pet.
Stay Calm
First and foremost, you should remain as calm as possible when seeking treatment for your pet. Try to avoid distressing your dog further by acting frantically or hectically.
Assess the Situation
If possible, take a moment to estimate the amount of nicotine your dog has consumed. This will help you communicate the source and severity of your dog’s health issues to your veterinarian, which will ultimately determine your pet’s treatment.
Contact Your Vet
Call your veterinarian and inform them that your dog ate a nicotine pouch. Relay key details about your dog’s breed, weight, and symptoms of nicotine poisoning.
Follow Your Vet’s Instructions
Based on the information you provided, your vet will give you specific instructions to follow to help your dog. Most veterinarians will ask you to bring your pet to their office or an emergency clinic immediately. They will also likely have you monitor your dog for worsening signs such as convulsing, twitching, or difficulty walking.
Unless instructed to do so, don’t force your dog to vomit the nicotine out of their system. This can be more damaging to their internal organs, depending on the number of pouches they have eaten. A veterinarian is qualified to evaluate the best treatment and next steps.
Why Immediate Action Matters
When a dog ingests nicotine, it’s important to respond quickly. Signs of nicotine poisoning can appear within as little as 15 minutes after ingestion, and the risk of more serious symptoms may increase as time passes and more nicotine is absorbed. If treatment is delayed beyond an hour, some dogs can develop more severe issues, including seizures or difficulty breathing. Getting your dog evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible gives them the best chance to step in early and help prevent symptoms from worsening.
It’s also worth noting that there isn’t a reliable at-home remedy for nicotine poisoning. Your veterinarian’s office or an emergency vet is the safest place to care for your pet’s health.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Accessing Nicotine Pouches
Pet emergencies are scary, but many are also preventable with a few consistent habits at home and on the go. The tips below focus on simple ways to reduce the chances of your dog getting into your nicotine pouches so you can avoid future emergencies.
Keep Pouches Out of Reach
The easiest way to prevent your dog from eating a nicotine pouch is to store them out of reach. Placing containers in concealed or high spots can keep dogs from trying to explore items that smell interesting or unfamiliar, lowering the risk of them swallowing something harmful.
Secure Your Nicotine Products
When you do access nicotine pouches, it is crucial to completely close containers after you are done using them. A tightly sealed container reduces the risk of accidental spills or dropped pouches if your dog comes across your nicotine products.
Get Pet-Resistant Packaging
Nicotine pouch containers can vary widely in their materials and designs, from lightweight plastic tubs to flexible cardboard-style canisters. Metal tins provide one of the highest levels of security, as their rigid structure and tighter seals make them far more difficult for pets to break into. FRE offers a premium reusable metal tin to keep pouches secure and discreet on the go while maintaining freshness.
Dispose of Pouches Properly
Once you are ready to throw out a nicotine pouch, be sure to place it in a trash can. Throwing a used pouch on the ground, the grass, or the sidewalk could allow your or someone else’s dog to ingest the product and get sick.
A Safer Way to Store Your Pouches
Nicotine toxicity can escalate fast, but swift action, clear communication with your veterinarian, and attentive monitoring can help support your dog. You can help protect your pet from harm by storing pouches in pet-resistant containers and disposing of them carefully.
Choose FRE’s discrete nicotine pouches derived from non-tobacco sources and carry them in our handy metal tins to help protect your pets. Find FRE near you or order online today.
