What to Do Immediately If Your Dog Ate a Vape Pen

Vaping has become widely popular, and vape pens (also known as JUULs, e-cigarettes, or mods) are now common in many households. This poses a hidden risk to our pets. 

Vape pens contain a liquid solution that’s heated into an aerosol and inhaled. But what happens if your dog eats a vape pen? If you’re concerned your dog may have ingested one, here’s everything you need to know to protect your pet. 

Cannabis vape pen? If your dog may have ingested a THC or CBD cartridge, check our dogs and cannabis blog for specific risks, symptoms, and next steps.

0-30 Minutes In: Call Your Veterinarian Immediately After Vape Pen Ingestion 

If you’re sure your dog swallowed a vape pen or any of its components, call your veterinarian immediately. In case it’s after hours, contact the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. When your dog consumes a vape pen, it’s essential to act quickly. Your vet will likely request an emergency examination and possibly an X-ray to determine which parts of the device your dog ingested.

Check for signs of ingestion:

• Is the tank punctured?
• Are the battery and heater intact?
• Is the cap missing?

Everything in your vape pen—from the electronic parts to the liquid inside—can be dangerous if swallowed by a dog. If your dog shows signs of distress such as vomiting, drooling, or unusual behavior, it’s important to get to a vet right away.

30 Minutes – 1 Hour: Evaluate Nicotine Toxicity in Your Dog After Vape Pen Ingestion

One of the most significant dangers of vape pens lies in the e-liquid they use. These liquids often contain nicotine, cannabis oil, propylene glycol, and artificial flavorings, but they are not FDA-approved for consumption. Many vape solutions are intended to be inhaled as an aerosol, not ingested as a liquid, and are highly concentrated.

In fact, even small amounts of e-liquid can cause nicotine poisoning in dogs, and large amounts can be deadly. Since vape pen labeling is often unreliable, it’s crucial to tell your vet as much as you can about what your dog consumed, including any marijuana or nicotine-infused solutions. The more details you provide, the better the treatment plan your vet can offer.

1 Hour – 2 Hours: Treat and Monitor Your Dog After Vape Pen Ingestion

If your dog fully ingested a vape pen, you may need to consider surgical removal. Vape pens are often too large and oddly shaped to pass through the digestive system without risking internal injury. If your dog swallowed vape liquid, the treatment will depend on the ingredients inside. For example, if your dog ingested cannabis oil, the vet may administer IV fluids and monitor your dog closely.

In cases of nicotine poisoning, your vet may need to administer medications or pump your dog’s stomach to remove the toxins. Keep in mind that toxicity symptoms might not appear right away—delayed symptoms can take hours or even up to a day to emerge.

What You Should Do If Your Dog Ate a Vape Pen

If your dog eats a vape pen, it can be really scary, but quick action is key. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet right away—they’ll be able to guide you through what to do next and provide the care your dog needs. Keep a close eye on your pet, as symptoms of poisoning may not appear immediately and can sometimes take hours to appear. With the right treatment and prompt attention, your dog can recover safely. Just remember, when in doubt, always contact your vet for the best advice.