E-cigarette warning after puppy death
Pet owners have been warned to keep e-cigarette equipment out of reach of pets.
A warning has been issued by the BVA on the dangers of nicotine following reports that a puppy in Cornwall died after consuming an e-cigarette refill.
BVA president Robin Hargreaves said: "This is a tragic case and very worrying when you consider how many people are now using e-cigarettes.
"Nicotine poisoning acts very quickly and can be fatal, especially when large doses are involved. E-cigarettes and refills can easily contain sufficient quantities of nicotine to kill a small animal very quickly."
The puppy is believed to have been a recently rehomed Staffordshire bull terrier cross. After apparently biting into an e-cigarette refill last Sunday, the animal became unwell and died on Monday morning after failing to respond to treatment.
The BVA has warned pet owners who use e-cigarettes to ensure all equipment is stored safely out of reach of pets.
Mr Hargreaves added: "If you suspect your pet has chewed or eaten an e-cigarette or any toxic substance then it is vital that you contact a vet for treatment as quickly as possible."
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
