If you suspect that your dog has eaten snus, the most important answer is also the shortest: call your vet right away. Snus contains nicotine, which is toxic to dogs, and you should not wait to see how things develop. The faster you react, the better the vet can help. This article helps you recognise the signs that may indicate your dog has got hold of snus, so you can act quickly and correctly in a situation where every minute counts.
The suspicion often arises before you see anything on the dog at all. Maybe you find an emptied snus tin on the floor, a chewed-through pouch or remnants of used snus in the bin. That observation alone is enough to act on. You do not need proof that the dog has actually swallowed something before you contact the vet. It is far better to call one time too many than one time too few.
How to tell that your dog may have eaten snus
The clearest traces are physical. An opened or empty snus tin, a torn pouch, snus scattered on the floor, or saliva and snus residue around the dog's mouth all point in the same direction. Dogs are curious and use their nose and mouth to explore the world, and a snus tin in a pocket, a bag or on a coffee table is within reach for many dogs. Used snus in a rubbish bag or an ashtray is just as relevant, because the nicotine is still there.
Also pay attention to behaviour that falls outside your dog's normal pattern. If your dog suddenly seems unwell, restless or different from usual shortly after having been alone with access to snus or nicotine products, that is reason to contact the vet. You know your dog best, and a feeling that something is wrong is worth listening to.
Why snus is dangerous for dogs
Snus contains nicotine, and nicotine is a substance the dog's body is not built to handle. This applies to both new, unused snus and used snus, just as other nicotine-containing products such as nicotine pouches, cigarettes and cigarette butts contain the substance. A small dog is more vulnerable than a large one, simply because less is needed relative to body weight, but the amount is hard to assess at home, and that is precisely why the assessment belongs with the vet and not on the kitchen table. You can read more about what dogs cannot tolerate, and about what dogs must not eat.
Because it can be toxic, you should not try to treat the dog yourself or wait to see whether the signs disappear on their own. Also avoid giving the dog anything to eat or drink before you have spoken with your vet, and do not induce vomiting on your own. Call the vet and follow the advice you are given there.
What to tell the vet when you call
A good phone call enables the vet to help faster. Tell them as precisely as you can what your dog may have got hold of, whether it was new or used snus, and how much, if any, is missing from the tin or pouch. State when you think it happened and what you have observed, both in terms of traces in the home and of your dog's behaviour. Have the dog's approximate weight ready, and bring the packaging with you or note down what it said. The more specific you can be, the better the starting point the vet has for advising you.
How to prevent it from happening again
The safest solution is to store all snus and all nicotine products somewhere the dog cannot possibly reach them, that is, in a closed drawer or a cupboard and not in a jacket pocket, a bag on the floor or on a low table. The same applies to used snus, which should go into a bin with a lid rather than an open bag. If you have guests who use snus or smoke, it is worth mentioning that the dog must not have access to the products or the waste.
A dog that often sniffs and licks things it should not can at the same time benefit from putting its curiosity and chewing urge to use on something that is safe and made for the purpose. Enrichment with selected treats for dogs or a couple of long-lasting natural chews for dogs can give the dog a healthy place to direct its chewing and exploring urge. This does of course not remove the need to store snus safely, but a content and stimulated dog often searches less for exciting things on its own.
Everyday life with good wellbeing and healthy routines
Once the acute situation has been handled, your dog's everyday life is again about what provides calm and wellbeing: fixed routines, enrichment and meals that suit your particular dog. At ESSENTIAL FOODS, we compose our meals for dogs from fresh produce and human-grade ingredients, so your dog gets a good foundation for a balanced everyday life, whether it is a puppy, adult or in its golden years. If you are unsure what best suits your dog's needs, our nutrition advisers are ready to guide you on feeding and nutrition by phone, chat or email.
If at any time you find that your dog seems unwell, or you are in doubt about whether it has got hold of snus or anything else it cannot tolerate, always contact your vet. A quick phone call can make all the difference, and no concern is too small to take seriously when it comes to your dog's health.