Once it has been determined that nicotine from the e-juice of an e-cigarette cartridge has been ingested, your veterinarian will immediately start supportive care to stabilize your dog and try to minimize the effects of the nicotine poisoning. There is no antidote that can be given for nicotine poisoning. Do not try to treat your dog at home. Waiting to take your dog to a veterinarian can result in death. The prognosis is good if your dog survives the first four hours after ingesting the toxins.
Supportive care
This can include inducing vomiting followed by giving activated charcoal to hopefully stop or reduce further absorption of the toxins. Depending on the severity of the poisoning, your dog may be put on an IV drip to re-hydrate and stimulate renal elimination. Oxygen support may also be given.
Medications
Your dog may experience seizures due to the toxins, mild tranquilizers may be used to aid in controlling the symptoms and alleviate strain on the heart and other vital organs. Other medications may be used to support the circulatory system, lower blood pressure and lower fever.
Oxygen Tent
Sometimes the oxygen mask is not sufficient during supportive care. In these instances an oxygen tent is put in place to help your pet have a better oxygen intake. Constant monitoring of your dog’s oxygen intake is required during the critical stages of treatment.
Some or all of these treatments may be employed on your pet, depending on the severity of the poisoning. Remember, there is no antidote so your veterinarian will only be able to treat the symptoms and provide supportive care while the toxins work their way through your dog’s body.
Prevention is the most effective in keeping e-cigarette toxicity to a minimum. As with children and medications, keep known toxins out of reach of your pet. Place cartridges in an upper cabinet or a top shelf, well out of the reach of pets and children to avoid any risk of nicotine poisoning.