THE number of pet dogs being poisoned by e-cigarettes is significantly increasing according to Walkden veterinary practice White Cross Vets.

And this is eight-month old Zuchon puppy Elton, who was recently treated there after picking up a capsule that was accidentally dropped on the floor.

His owner Emma Ronnay said: “I was at work when my housemate rang to tell me what had happened.

"The nicotine capsule fell out of his hand and before he could pick it up Elton had grabbed it."

Lorna Siddons, Clinic Director at White Cross Vets on Mayfield Avenue in Walkden, said: "Elton was lucky because he received treatment straight away and we knew exactly what had happened.

"We gave him some medication to counter the effects of the poison and a charcoal treatment to line his stomach and he has made a full recovery.

“E-cigarettes have become incredibly popular and as the debate rages on about the health risks of these unregulated products.

"But one thing is crystal clear — if an e-cigarette is chewed or ingested by a pet dog it could be fatal.”