Sara Bell was at North 40 Park Reserve in Delta, B.C., with her two-year-old husky Nilak when he ingested a napkin off the ground, swallowing it whole. Concerned, Bell rushed Nilak to a veterinarian due to his Portosystemic Shunt condition affecting his liver function. Tests confirmed an overdose of cocaine. Prompt treatment with fluids helped Nilak recover.
Bell shared the incident on Facebook, surprised by the number of similar stories from dog owners whose pets had also ingested drugs while out for walks. Mia Riback recounted a past experience where her dog ingested hashish at a campground, leading to an emergency vet visit. Melissa White had a dog ingest cannabis at the same park, emphasizing the need for caution.
Veterinarians are observing a rise in dog overdose cases, with Dr. Tracy Fisher noting an increase in her practice and nationally. Fisher stressed the importance of swift vet care, particularly for opioid ingestion like fentanyl. Owners should be vigilant if their dogs exhibit unusual behavior after being outside or potentially ingesting substances at home.
Dr. Heather James from the Society of B.C. Veterinarians highlighted the complexity of cases involving multiple drugs, often from dogs consuming contaminated human waste in urban areas. Signs of ingestion to watch for include unsteadiness, twitching, vomiting, or urinary issues. Vets can conduct human drug tests to identify substances and provide appropriate treatment.
Overall, dog owners are urged to be cautious during walks and promptly seek veterinary assistance if they suspect their pet has ingested harmful substances.