My Dog Ate Chewing Tobacco  

Ahh, the joys of pet ownership. Nothing can replace the love and companionship our fur babies bring us! But sometimes they surprise us in ways we don’t and would rather not expect. Imagine if your pup decided to nibble on a pack of chewing tobacco. If you have found yourself in this situation, then you’re likely searching for answers as to what this means for your pup’s health and safety moving forward. Don’t worry—below we’ll break down the potential side effects of tobacco ingestion and how best to keep them safe in the future. 

Health Risks of Ingesting Chewing Tobacco 

The dangers of dogs eating chewing tobacco are significant and should not be underestimated. Chewing tobacco contains nicotine, which is highly toxic to dogs. If a dog ingests chewing tobacco, it can lead to nicotine poisoning and cause severe symptoms and even death. Additionally, tobacco products often contain other harmful chemicals such as pesticides, flavorings, and additives that can further harm the dog’s health. It is crucial for dog owners to keep their pets away from chewing tobacco and seek immediate veterinary care if ingestion occurs. 

Tobacco Poisoning Symptoms 

If a dog ingests chewing tobacco, they can show signs of poisoning within one hour of ingestion. Symptoms of tobacco poisoning are varied and lengthy. Some signs can be visible, while others are psychological and therefore go unnoticed. The possible symptoms include: 

  • Convulsions 
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • High blood pressure 
  • Increased body temperature 
  • Abnormal heartbeat 
  • Rapid breathing 
  • Tremors 
  • Weak pulse 
  • Dilated pupils 

Treatment 

If you suspect that your dog ate chewing tobacco, time is of the essence. Contact your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for immediate medical assistance. Your dog will require treatment at the veterinary clinic. Your veterinarian may induce vomiting to remove the tobacco from their stomach and administer activated charcoal to bind the toxins. Supportive care will include IV fluids and specific medications to regulate other symptoms. You must seek immediate medical attention to avoid potentially deadly consequences from tobacco poisoning.