chemical
Nicotine
IMMEDIATE VET ATTENTION
Nicotine from cigarettes, vapes, gum or patches is highly toxic to dogs and can cause seizures.
If your dog has eaten this item, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service now.
If your dog is showing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, severe vomiting, unconsciousness or other serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to do
Contact your vet or emergency poisons service immediately.
When to contact a vet: Emergency vet attention immediately. Bring the product packaging.
Symptoms to look for
- drooling
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- rapid breathing
- tremors
- seizures
- weakness
- collapse
Why
Dogs are more sensitive to nicotine than people. Cigarette butts, vaping liquids, nicotine gum and patches all contain enough nicotine to poison a small dog. The toxic dose depends on the strength and the dog's size. Symptoms can appear within an hour and progress quickly to tremors and seizures.
- Substances of concern
- nicotine
- Safer parts
- {}
- Parts to avoid
- {cigarettes,"cigarette butts","vape liquid","nicotine gum","nicotine patches","chewing tobacco"}
- Preparation
- No safe preparation.
- How much matters
- A single cigarette butt or a small amount of vape liquid can be dangerous for a small dog.
- Severity
- Severe
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlPrimary authoritative — Chemical exposure
- Pet Poison HelplinePrimary authoritative — Chemical exposure
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.