‘She was swaying, zoning out’: UK pets poisoned in record numbers by illicit drugs
Summary
A UK animal poison helpline has seen a record rise in emergency calls about pets, especially dogs, poisoned by recreational drugs like cannabis, cocaine, and nicotine. Many pets get poisoned by eating drug residues or discarded drug products in public places, leading to more vet visits and concern from pet owners and experts.Key Facts
- The UK’s Veterinary Poisons Information Service and Animal PoisonLine received the highest number of calls about pets poisoned by drugs in 2025.
- Calls increased by 42% in 2025 compared to 2024, from 445 to 633 cases involving recreational drugs and nicotine.
- Dogs are much more often poisoned than cats because dogs eat found objects without much caution.
- Common drugs involved include cannabis, cocaine, magic mushrooms, nicotine gum, and vaping fluids.
- Pets often ingest drugs by eating vomit, feces, or discarded drug products left in public places like parks, alleys, and even cemeteries.
- Certain dog breeds that like food a lot, such as labradors, golden retrievers, and beagles, are more at risk.
- One case described a dog poisoned in a Cambridge cemetery, where police found Class A and B drugs during patrols.
- Experts advise immediate veterinary treatment for any suspected drug poisoning in pets rather than relying on poison helplines.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
