PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Dog ate asthma inhalers (albuterol)? What to do
A chewed asthma inhaler releases many doses at once, causing a racing heart, dangerous drops in potassium, collapse and possibly death.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Bring the chewed inhaler with you.
- Go to the nearest vet clinic right away.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Signs to watch for
- Fast heartbeat
- Abnormal or slow heartbeat
- Fast breathing
- Agitation
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Big pupils
- Low energy
Why
Inhalers are pressurized, so a puncture releases the whole canister at once. The drug lowers potassium levels and speeds up the heart.
Sources
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.