Dogs have long been called man’s best friend, offering loyalty, companionship, and comfort in even the most challenging times.
Cats, too, hold a cherished place in many homes, known for their independent yet affectionate natures. As members of the family, pets rely on their owners to keep them safe.
However, recent studies show a growing and unexpected threat to their well-being:
Accidental exposure to illegal substances in the home.
Study Reveals Rising Cases
A study published in JAMA Network Open has shed light on an alarming trend of pets in the U.S. being exposed to cocaine.
According to Videnskab, researchers analyzed calls to a pet poison helpline from 2019 to 2023 and found a sharp increase in reports of suspected cocaine poisoning in cats and dogs.
The data showed that suspected cases of cocaine exposure in dogs rose by 39%, with 433 incidents reported over the four-year period.
For cats, the increase was even higher, at 52%, based on 63 cases. The study did not find a similar rise in methamphetamine-related poisonings during the same time frame.
The researchers emphasized that pets are particularly sensitive to substances like cocaine, which can cause severe poisoning, even in small amounts.
Symptoms often include agitation, tremors, seizures, and, in extreme cases, death. Despite medical intervention, the prognosis for affected animals can be grim.
Accidental exposures typically occur when pets ingest or inhale residues left on surfaces such as floors, furniture, or counters.
While the study did not investigate specific scenarios, researchers speculate that the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw more people spending extended periods at home, may have increased the likelihood of such incidents.
The rise in reported poisonings underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Researchers and veterinarians urge pet owners to keep harmful substances securely stored and to clean surfaces thoroughly to prevent accidental exposure.
