The Dangers of Using Nicotine Around Your Pet: Everything a Pet Parent Should Know

When people smoke or use tobacco or nicotine products, the potential impact on pets is not always top of mind. But exposure to tobacco smoke, nicotine vape aerosol, and cannabis products can pose serious health risks to dogs, cats, birds, and other animals.  

Understanding the dangers of secondhand smoke and thirdhand residue and the risks of keeping nicotine and tobacco products in the home is an important step toward keeping pets safe and healthy.  

In this article, you’ll learn these risks and some practical steps you can take to reduce exposure, along with resources and support options for those interested in quitting smoking, vaping, or using any tobacco or nicotine product.  

For pet parents who want to quit nicotine, EX Program by Truth Initiative offers free digital support to help people quit tobacco and nicotine products. Developed with the Mayo Clinic, the program has evidence-based tools, personalized quit support, text-message guidance, and community resources to help people build a quit plan and stay on track. 

Learn more about Truth Initiative’s EX Program here. 

Why Smoking Around Pets Is Harmful

Exposure to tobacco smoke, including secondhand and thirdhand exposure, can be dangerous for pets.  

Secondhand smoke exposure happens when pets breathe in smoke from the air, including smoke from a lit tobacco product or smoke exhaled by a person who is smoking.  

Thirdhand smoke exposure refers to the residue left behind after tobacco smoke has cleared. Chemicals from tobacco smoke can settle on surfaces, fabrics, toys, bedding, and even a pet’s fur or skin.  

Because some pets (such as cats) groom themselves often, they may lick tobacco residue from their fur or paws. Dogs also often chew or lick household items—such as blankets, pillows, toys, or furniture—where residue from tobacco smoke can land, increasing the risk of swallowing it.  

Dogs and cats exposed to secondhand smoke may face a higher risk of certain cancers compared to pets living in smoke-free homes. The risks vary by species and exposure, but research has linked smoke exposure to several serious health concerns: 

• Cats exposed to secondhand smoke have been reported to be more likely to develop malignant lymphoma. Because cats groom often, they may also swallow tobacco residue that settles on their fur, which this study shows may increase the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of mouth cancer. 

• Dogs exposed to secondhand smoke may have an increased risk of nasal cancer, especially long-nosed breeds, because carcinogens can collect in the nasal passages, according to this article. Smoke exposure may also contribute to respiratory irritation and other health problems. 

Tobacco and Nicotine Products and the Risk of Ingestion

In addition to secondhand and thirdhand smoke, tobacco and nicotine products left around the home, vehicle, or yard can also be dangerous for pets if licked or eaten.  

Leaving tobacco or nicotine products unattended can be risky for pets who explore the world through smell and taste, which could lead them to accidentally swallow harmful products.  

Some easily eaten tobacco or nicotine products are:  

• Cigarette butts  

• Vape pods, cartridges, or nicotine liquid 

• Smokeless tobacco such as chew, dip, or snuff 

• Nicotine pouches 

• Nicotine gum or patches 

If you suspect your pet has swallowed nicotine, contact Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or your veterinarian immediately.   

What About Vaping?

E-cigarette aerosol, like tobacco smoke, can be dangerous for pets if inhaled, this study found.  

Vape aerosol can contain toxic metals and carcinogenic molecules, as well as added flavors that can enter pets’ bodies easily, especially if pet parents vape indoors, in vehicles, or in other enclosed spaces.  

Vape aerosol can irritate an animal’s respiratory airway, according to the Pet Poison Helpline, causing wheezing, coughing, and trouble breathing. 

Because e-cigarettes often have sweet or fruity flavors that can attract pets, vapes left around the home can also be dangerous. Pets may chew, lick, or eat e-cigarettes, cartridges, pods, or nicotine liquid.  

The main risks include: 

• Nicotine poisoning: Ingested nicotine can be absorbed rapidly and may cause symptoms soon after exposure. 

• Device-related injuries: Chewed vape devices, cartridges, batteries, plastic, or glass parts can irritate the mouth or digestive tract and may create choking or obstruction risks. 

Signs of possible nicotine poisoning can appear very quickly and may include: 

• Vomiting, drooling, or diarrhea 

• Agitation, restlessness, or weakness 

• Tremors, trouble walking, or lack of coordination 

• Higher heart rate or breathing rate 

• Seizures, collapse, coma, or cardiac arrest in severe cases 

If you suspect your pet has swallowed nicotine or is showing concerning symptoms after exposure, contact a veterinarian or animal poison control center immediately. 

What About Smaller Exotic Pets, Such as Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles, and Amphibians?

Small pets, birds, reptiles, and amphibians can be especially sensitive to tobacco smoke, vape aerosol, cannabis smoke, and product residue.  

Because of their small size and unique bodies, exposure may affect them differently than dogs or cats. Pet parents should take extra care to keep these animals away from smoke, vapor, fumes, and any products they could lick, chew, or swallow. 

Birds are especially at risk from smoke, aerosol, and fumes because their respiratory systems move air through the body more efficiently than mammals, according to Britannica.  

As a result, airborne irritants and toxins can affect them quickly, even at low levels of exposure. Keep birds away from smoking or vaping areas, avoid aerosolized products near their cages, and seek veterinary care quickly if respiratory or behavior changes appear. 

Reptiles and amphibians can also be affected if smoke, aerosol, or chemical residue builds inside their enclosure. Tanks and terrariums often have limited airflow, which can allow irritants to linger and settle on bedding, water dishes, and other surfaces. Amphibians may be especially vulnerable because their skin can absorb substances from the environment.  

To reduce risk, keep enclosures away from smoke, vapor, and fumes; improve ventilation where appropriate; and call an exotic-animal veterinarian if you notice appetite changes, breathing problems, lethargy, or other concerning signs. 

Small mammals, including rabbits and hamsters, also face risks from tobacco smoke, vape aerosol, cannabis smoke, and product residue because of their small size, faster breathing, and frequent grooming. These factors can make it easier for irritants or residue to enter their bodies through inhaling or licking. Watch for changes such as reduced appetite, lethargy, or breathing changes, and contact a veterinarian if symptoms appear or exposure is suspected. 

Cannabis Exposure Among Pets

Exposure to cannabis products such as edibles, tinctures, concentrates, joints, or tablets can also harm pets. However, the effects differ from nicotine exposure, and animals react differently to cannabis than humans do.  

According to Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine, dogs process the THC compound differently and are more sensitive to smaller amounts. Because small amounts can be more harmful, it’s especially important to keep cannabis products away from pets and limit exposure to cannabis smoke. 

If your pet swallows a cannabis product they may show signs of lethargy, lack of coordination, and an uncontrolled bladder.  

If you notice these symptoms, contact animal poison control or your vet as soon as possible.  

Why Pets May Be Drawn to Cannabis Products

Pets may be attracted to cannabis products because of their strong scent, especially in forms such as cannabis-infused baked goods or sweets. Because dogs, cats, and other household pets often explore new smells by licking or chewing, even securely packaged products can pose a risk if left within reach.  

Here are some ways people can keep their pets safe from cannabis exposure:  

• Store cannabis products securely. Keep edibles, joints, oils, and related products locked away or stored well out of reach. Avoid leaving bags, containers, or baked goods where pets can get to them. 

• Act quickly if exposure happens. If you suspect your pet has swallowed cannabis, call your veterinarian or an animal poison hotline right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

How People Who Smoke or Vape Can Protect Their Pets

Pet parents play an important role in reducing pets’ exposure to smoke, aerosol, residue, and products that could be accidentally eaten, such as nicotine pouches.  

If someone in the household smokes, vapes, or uses any type of tobacco or nicotine product, these practical steps can help create a safer home environment: 

• Smoke or vape outdoors only. Stay away from doors, windows, vents, and pet areas so smoke or aerosol is less likely to drift indoors or settle on household surfaces. 

• Wash up before handling pets. Wash hands thoroughly and change the outer layer of clothing before feeding, cuddling, or caring for pets to help limit chemical residue transfer. 

• Clean the home regularly. Wipe down hard surfaces, wash soft items such as bedding and blankets, replace heavily exposed pillows or pet bedding immediately, and keep rooms well ventilated. Using an air purifier can also help. 

• Store products securely. Keep nicotine, nicotine pouches, vape cartridges and fluid, and cannabis products locked away, and secure trash cans and bags so pets cannot chew, lick, or eat discarded items. 

Quitting Can Improve the Health of Humans and Their Pets

Quitting smoking has countless short- and long-term health benefits, some of which start to impact the human body almost immediately after putting down a cigarette. What’s often forgotten, however, is how quitting smoking (or vaping) can also help pets. Quitting smoking or vaping creates a healthier living environment for you and your pet, and can reduce related health risks, nicotine poisoning, and ingestion-related injuries. 

In addition to the health benefits to humans and pets, quitting tobacco or nicotine can save you money. For example, this article shares that a pack-a-day smoker can save $4,000 a year—that’s a lot of dog treats! Try the EX Program savings calculator to see how much money you could save from quitting. 

For those who want to quit smoking, vaping, or any form of nicotine or cannabis, there are resources to help. 

EX Program by Truth Initiative, a free digital quitting resource developed with the Mayo Clinic, helps people quit nicotine by offering a wide range of tools and resources that adapt based on someone's nicotine use.  

EX Program offers:  

• A customized quit plan 

• Advice and tips from researchers and specialists 

• Personalized text message support 

• Access to the nation’s most established online community of quitters 

• Interactive guides and tools, including a quit calculator that helps users visualize how much money they can save by quitting nicotine (more spending money = more treats for your pets!)  

Sign up for free by visiting exprogram.com or texting EXPROGRAM to 88709.