Sara Bell was at North 40 Park Reserve in Delta, B.C., with her two-year-old husky Nilak when he ingested a napkin he found on the ground. Despite trying to remove it, Nilak swallowed it whole. Being familiar with his actions, Bell initially didn’t think much of it until Nilak displayed unusual behavior. Due to his Portosystemic Shunt condition affecting liver function, Bell promptly took him to a veterinarian. Tests confirmed Nilak had consumed and overdosed on cocaine, leading to immediate treatment with fluids that stabilized him.
Expressing her shock and fear for her dog, Bell shared the incident on Facebook and was surprised by the number of similar stories from people whose dogs had also ingested drugs found outdoors. The alarming trend has left dog owners like Bell feeling anxious about walking their pets safely.
Mia Riback recounted a distressing experience when her previous dog encountered hashish at a Squamish campground, resulting in a frantic rush to an emergency vet. The dog survived after intensive care and a substantial medical bill, highlighting the trauma of such incidents. Melissa White also faced a similar situation in the past when her dog ingested cannabis at North 40 Park, underscoring the need for vigilance despite precautions taken.
Veterinarians are witnessing a rise in dog overdose cases, although official data collection on such incidents is lacking. Dr. Tracy Fisher, President of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and a Regina-based small animal veterinarian, emphasized the importance of prompt veterinary care for dogs exposed to drugs, particularly opioids like fentanyl. Recognizing changes in a pet’s behavior is crucial for owners, especially after outdoor activities, as timely intervention significantly increases the chances of survival.
Dr. Heather James, a board member of the Society of B.C. Veterinarians, noted an increase in dogs ingesting multiple drugs, often via contaminated human waste in urban areas. Owners are advised to watch out for symptoms such as imbalance, difficulty walking, twitching, vomiting, or abnormal urination, which indicate possible drug ingestion. Veterinary testing helps identify substances ingested, enabling appropriate treatment to reverse drug effects.
The concerning rise in dog overdoses underscores the need for pet owners to remain vigilant and seek immediate veterinary assistance when encountering suspected drug exposure.
