The number of pet cats and dogs accidentally exposed to cocaine has increased “significantly” in the US since 2019.

That’s the warning of a new study led by a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) researcher who analyzed data from the Animal Poison Control Center. “Animals are highly sensitive to the stimulant and sympathomimetic effects of cocaine,” the researchers wrote in their paper.

“Any degree of exposure should be considered relevant because there is a serious risk of toxicity and death, even with aggressive medical therapy,” they said.

Cocaine is the most common illegal stimulant in the US, with an estimated 1.8 percent of the population using it last year.

The study was conducted by UNC social work researcher Orrin Ware and veterinary toxicologist Renee Schmid of the Pet Poison Helpline. Both analyzed the potential exposures of cats and dogs to both cocaine and methamphetamine between 2019 and 2023, as reported to the helpline.

This specialty animal poison control center—consulted by pet owners, veterinarians, and law enforcement personnel—covers cases in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.

The team recorded the animal’s age, weight and location (either in the US or Canada) for each call and analyzed the total number of calls for six types of drug exposure.

These included cats exposed to cocaine, methamphetamine, or any of the above, and then the same again for dogs. A total of 63 cats and 433 dogs participated in the study.

“In many situations, dogs can be more inquisitive and exploratory by putting unfamiliar things in their mouths,” they said.

The researchers’ analysis revealed a statistically significant increase over time in the number of cats and dogs exposed to cocaine.

“Specifically, the increase over those five years was 52 percent for cats and 39 percent for dogs,” the two said. However, similar increases were not seen for methamphetamine.

Both noted that their analysis was limited by examining only the number of cases reported to the poison hotline — which likely does not represent the true extent of cocaine and methamphetamine exposure in cats and dogs — and not how the exposure occurred.

After completing the initial study, Ware and Schmid are now looking to examine other classes of drugs, examine symptoms caused by animal poisonings, and see if increased exposure to cocaine may be related to increased use of the drug among the population.

Both also have some advice for cat or dog owners who are concerned that their animal friends may have been exposed to drugs.

“Pet owners should seek immediate veterinary assistance if there is concern that a pet has been exposed to cocaine or methamphetamine,” they said. “Clinical signs can develop quickly and any delay in care can be fatal for a pet.

“For households where drugs are present, it is important to keep all items up and out of the reach of pets,” they said.

Link

Ware, OD, & Schmid, R. (2024). Exposure of cats and dogs to cocaine or methamphetamine. JAMA Open Network, 7(12). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.51833