Is Nicotine safe for dogs and cats?

Nicotine is acutely toxic to dogs across a broad range of exposure sources: cigarettes (ingested), cigars, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum and lozenges, transdermal patches, and — most critically — liquid nicotine for electronic cigarettes (e-liquid, vape juice). E-liquid is the highest-risk formulation: concentrations of 18–36 mg/mL are common in nicotine vape cartridges; a 30 mL bottle of 24 mg/mL e-liquid contains 720 mg nicotine — enough to be lethal to multiple dogs. The minimum lethal dose in dogs is approximately 9.2 mg/kg. Mechanism: nicotinic receptor stimulation → initial CNS/autonomic excitation (tachycardia, hypertension, tremors, vomiting, hypersalivation) → followed by receptor desensitization → depression, bradycardia, ataxia, paralysis, respiratory failure. Onset is rapid: signs begin within 15–60 minutes of ingestion. GI absorption is rapid for liquid nicotine; nicotine gum and patches release nicotine slowly but still deliver meaningful doses. Treatment: emesis if very recent ingestion and patient is alert; activated charcoal; IV fluids; atropine for severe bradycardia; seizure management. Prognosis is good with rapid, appropriate treatment. ASPCA APCC receives increasing call volumes for e-cigarette and nicotine product exposure as these products become ubiquitous.

Cats are extremely sensitive to nicotine. Their glucuronidation deficiency impairs metabolism of nicotine's primary metabolite cotinine, prolonging toxic exposure. Additionally, cats' smaller body mass means lower absolute doses reach the toxic threshold. As few as 1–2 mg/kg nicotine can cause severe toxicosis in cats. E-liquid is the most dangerous source: a single mL of high-concentration e-liquid (36 mg/mL) contains 36 mg nicotine — representing an extreme overdose for even a large cat. Cats may access e-cigarette cartridges, refill bottles, or used nicotine patches discarded in trash bins. Clinical signs include intense hypersalivation, severe tremors, tachycardia, mydriasis, vomiting, convulsions, and respiratory depression. Nicotine exposure in cats should be treated as an extreme emergency — call ASPCA APCC or a veterinary emergency line immediately. Dermal exposure from patches or spilled e-liquid on fur requires immediate bathing. Prognosis is guarded in cats with significant exposure given their slower nicotine clearance.