Toxicity to pets

Asthma inhalers are used in both human and veterinary medicine for the treatment of asthma and other types of respiratory disease (e.g., bronchitis, etc.). Asthma inhalers often contain beta-agonist drugs that expand the lungs +/- steroids that decrease inflammation in the lungs. When asthma inhalers are chewed on and punctured by pets, it can result in severe, acute poisoning.

Asthma inhalers contain many doses (often 200 doses in one small vial) so pets that chew into them are exposed to massive amounts of the drug(s) all at once. This can result in severe clinical signs including: 1) cardiovascular, 3) neurologic, 4) gastrointestinal, 5) acute collapse and even death. Severe electrolyte abnormalities are likely and can be life-threatening without immediate veterinary treatment.

If you suspect your dog or cat chewed into an asthma inhaler, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline® for life-saving recommendations.