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There has been no specific research on the effects of vaping around dogs and other pets. However Public Health England’s 2018 evidence review found that to date there have been no identified health risks of passive vaping to the health of human bystanders. This is in stark contract to the danger that we know second-hand smoke poses.
Although current evidence indicates that vapour poses a very low risk, small animals may be more sensitive to it. Pet birds in particular have very sensitive airways. Even scented candles, air-fresheners and cleaning products can irritate a birds airways. To minimise any risk, it is best to always vape away from your pets where possible or near to an open a window.
Nicotine poisoning and e-liquid safety around pets
The biggest risk to pets from vaping is not from breathing in vapour but in storing the E-liquid. E-liquids contain concentrated nicotine, which is poisonous to cats and dogs. Nicotine poisoning is rarely fatal when treated, but it is very dangerous and especially pose risk to cats. This is because Propylene Glycol which is commonly used in e-liquids has been found to be toxic to cats. If you suspect your pet cat or dog has ingested E-liquid you should take them to the vet immediately and where possible, you should take your e-liquid container with you so that your vet can easily see what your pet might have ingested.
Are there any precautions I should take when vaping around my pet?
Many people successfully quit smoking through vaping. It’s important to remember that vaping is much safer than smoking not just for you, but for your pets. As a responsible pet owner, you should be aware of any risks to your pet when you vape. We recommend following some common sense precautions that will keep your pet safe:
- Always store your vapes and e-liquid bottles far out of reach of inquisitive pets. Ideally, you should keep them in a secure container that closes tightly.
- It can be easy to pop your vape on charge and forget about it. Don’t leave vapes unattended in the same room as your pet, or anywhere they might reach them.
- Dispose of empty e-liquid bottles safely. If you have a dog that is likely to rummage in the bin, make sure that used e-liquid is disposed of immediately in an outside bin.
- Try to vape away from your pets where possible. If you vape in the same room as your pet, keep the space well ventilated by opening a window.
- If you vape e-liquid containing nicotine, there is a small risk that this can settle onto your pet’s food once airborne. To prevent your pets ingesting any nicotine, avoid vaping near to their food and water dishes.
