MY DOG HAS CHEWED INTO MY ASTHMA INHALER

The Animal Poisons Helpline is frequently contacted about companion animals, most commonly dogs, that have chewed into and punctured their owners “asthma puffers”. Asthma puffers or inhalers can be classed into two different groups known as preventers or relievers. The most commonly used inhalers are relievers, which are used to help open up the airway and contain ingredients such as salbutamol (also known as albuterol) and terbutaline. In Australia and New Zealand, salbutamol is available as a metered dose inhaler that contains 200 sprays, an oral liquid and single use nebules/vials.

A punctured inhaler can rapidly deliver very large amounts of medication directly into a dog’s mouth and lungs, leading to severe poisoning. When this occurs, there is an overstimulation of the beta receptors which play key roles in various locations of the body including in the heart, lungs and blood vessels.

Animals that receive large doses of a reliever puffer can develop several complications including a fast heart rate, low blood pressure, low potassium levels in the blood, a change in the way the heart beats, agitation, weakness and potentially seizures. Additionally, when inhalers that contain compressed gas are punctured, the gas rapidly expands and may result in frostbite injury to the mouth. To avoid accidental poisoning of your pet, always keep inhalers well out of reach and preferably locked away in a cabinet. Keep bags closed and off the ground. Never give your pet a human medication unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️ 1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ) , 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917-722-5958 (CA). If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore or the United States, you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. We thank the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for supporting this post.