Is Tobacco Toxic to Pets?
Yes — tobacco is toxic to cats. Yes — tobacco is toxic to dogs. Yes — tobacco is toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Nicotiana tabacum
- Toxic compound
- Nicotine
- Toxic parts
- Leaves, cigarettes, vapes and nicotine gum
- Also known as
- nicotine, cigarettes, vape
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
What to do
If your cat ate tobacco
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate tobacco
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your horse ate tobacco
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Nicotine causes vomiting, agitation, tremors, fast heart rate and seizures. Vape liquids and nicotine gum are especially concentrated.
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Frequently asked questions
Is tobacco toxic to cats?
Yes — tobacco is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is tobacco toxic to dogs?
Yes — tobacco is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is tobacco toxic to horses?
Yes — tobacco is toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of tobacco are toxic?
Leaves, cigarettes, vapes and nicotine gum.
What makes tobacco toxic?
Nicotine.
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