Dog Bit an Albuterol Inhaler? Call Now

If your dog bit into an albuterol inhaler, call an emergency veterinary clinic or animal poison service immediately. A tooth can puncture the pressurized canister and release many doses in a short time. A dog can be exposed even when the canister is still on the floor and the dog looks normal.

Look for the medication name while someone calls

Find the label, carton or prescription information. Read the active ingredient and strength to the person taking your call. Albuterol may also be called salbutamol. Inhalers contain different medicines, so the color of the plastic case is a poor substitute for the name. Report when it happened, your dog's weight, whether the metal canister is dented or punctured, and whether pieces of plastic are missing. Take a clear photo or bring the packaging if you can do so safely and without delaying care.

ASPCA Poison Control's veterinary resource explains why a punctured inhaler can expose a dog to a large amount and why a fast heart rate and low blood potassium are concerns. The Pet Poison Helpline inhaler guide provides additional exposure guidance. You cannot assess all of those at home by watching a dog walk around.

Follow the clinic's instructions on the way

Say whether the dog is panting, shaking, weak, unusually restless, or having trouble breathing. If someone is driving, have a passenger handle the call. Don't induce vomiting or give food, salt or human medication to counteract the exposure unless the veterinary team specifically instructs you. A damaged mouthpiece can also mean swallowed material, so tell the clinic about missing parts even if you have found the metal canister.

The general household medication exposure guide shows how to preserve a label and hand off details when another person is transporting the dog.

Change where the inhaler goes afterward

Look at where it was found. Coat pockets, open bags and bedside surfaces may be within a dog’s reach. Pick a closed storage location, and make the same plan for spare inhalers and discarded canisters.

Written by PARTNER Editorial Team for general education. Contact your veterinary team for advice about your pet’s individual health and feeding needs.