Cigarettes are commonly and accidentally ingested by pets and can lead to unexpected poisoning in many domestic animals, including dogs, cats, and birds. While used cigarettes may seem harmless, they can still be toxic if chewed or eaten. All parts of a cigarette are considered toxic, including cigarette butts.

Pets are most often exposed by eating cigarettes or cigarette butts, accessing ash trays, or picking up discarded cigarettes while out on walks.

The toxic component in cigarettes is nicotine. The Animal Poisons Helpline also receives frequent calls about other nicotine-containing products, including e-cigarettes, nicotine liquids, pouches (white snus), and nicotine replacement products such as gum and patches. However, traditional cigarette exposures remain the most common, accounting for approximately 42% of nicotine-related calls, with signs of toxicity reported in more than 20% of cases at the time of the call.

Nicotine is rapidly absorbed through the mouth, skin, airways, and gastrointestinal tract. As a result, clinical signs can develop quickly, often within 15–60 minutes of exposure. The onset and extent of effects are dependent on many factors including the dose, route of exposure and formulation of the product. Early signs of poisoning include vomiting, drooling, excitement in tremors. Larger ingestions may result in seizures, weakness, paralysis and breathing difficulties. Birds are particularly sensitive to nicotine and can develop neurological signs following small exposures.

To help keep your pets safe around cigarettes:

🚬Store unused cigarettes securely and out of reach

🚬Keep ash trays and cigarette butts inaccessible and dispose of them appropriately

🚬Be mindful of discarded cigarettes when walking your dog

If your pet has ingested any type of nicotine containing product, it is important to immediately phone the Animal Poisons Helpline or your veterinarian, even if they look well. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides expert advice to pet owners 24/7 and can be reached on: ☎️ 1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ) , 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917-722-5958 (CAN).

If you are a member of a veterinary team you can also join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. To stay up to date with the latest pet poison alerts and receive updates directly to your inbox, visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date and subscribe.