As Canada continues to navigate the opioid crisis and the evolving landscape of recreational drug use, a lesser-known but increasingly urgent issue is coming to light: accidental drug exposure in pets. Whether it’s a dropped edible, a fentanyl-laced item found in a public park, or remnants of narcotics left within reach at home, illicit substances can be highly toxic to our companion animals. 

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogenic mushrooms are among the most common illicit drugs pets are exposed to. These substances don’t just affect household pets—working dogs, such as police K9s, have also suffered serious consequences from incidental drug contact. 

What makes this issue even more dangerous is that pet owners don’t always know what their animal has ingested—or may be reluctant to admit it. In emergency situations, this lack of information can lead to critical delays in diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of serious complications or even death. 

A recent case at Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) offers a powerful reminder of how easily this can happen—and why it’s vital to act quickly and communicate openly with your veterinary team. 

A Veterinarian’s Close Call: Dr. Sheila Hoe’s Story 

Dr. Sheila Hoe, a veterinary critical care resident at BBVSH in British Columbia, experienced firsthand the dangers of accidental drug exposure. During an emergency shift, a distressed owner rushed in with a five-month-old Husky puppy that was unresponsive. Acting swiftly, Dr. Hoe took the puppy into her arms and began immediate treatment without gloves, as time was of the essence. 

The puppy exhibited signs of severe distress: a dangerously low heart rate, dilated pupils, and pale gums. As our team worked to stabilize the dog, we learned from the owner that the puppy had been playing in a park and might have come into contact with a white powder. Suspecting opioid poisoning, we administered an opioid reversal agent, leading to the puppy’s gradual recovery. 

However, shortly after, Dr. Hoe began feeling unwell—experiencing nausea, dizziness, and overwhelming fatigue. She collapsed and was immediately attended to by her colleagues, who recognized she might have been exposed to fentanyl through skin contact or inhalation. Dr. Hoe was transported to the hospital and made a full recovery. Her experience is a powerful reminder of just how potent and dangerous these substances can be—not only for pets, but for veterinary staff as well. You can read the full story on our blog, here.

Recognizing Drug Exposure in Pets 

Pets exposed to illicit drugs may exhibit various symptoms depending on the substance and amount ingested. Common signs include: 

• Lethargy or depression 

• Ataxia or incoordination 

• Vomiting 

• Urinary incontinence 

• Increased sensitivity to motion or sound 

• Head bobbing or tremors 

• Dilated pupils 

• Excessive salivation 

• Slow heart rate or unresponsiveness 

If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect your pet may have been exposed to drugs: 

• Seek emergency veterinary care IMMEDIATELY.  

• Additional resources: 

• • Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661  

• • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 (fees may apply)

Providing accurate and honest information about the potential exposure can significantly impact the success of treatment. 

We’re Here to Help: BBVSH Is Equipped to Handle Emergencies 

At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, we’re trained, staffed, and equipped to manage life-threatening emergencies—including cases of drug poisoning. As a VECCS Level 1 emergency and critical care facility, our hospital operates 24/7 with a dedicated team of emergency doctors, technicians, and specialists who are ready to respond the moment your pet arrives. 

We know that in moments of crisis, transparency is essential. If you suspect your pet may have ingested or been exposed to an illicit substance, please tell us. There is zero judgment. As Dr. Hoe explains, “We don’t care if you have drugs at home—we need to know exactly what your pet has gotten into. The information you share is confidential. Our only goal is to treat your pet quickly and effectively.” 

Because of our advanced diagnostic capabilities, in-house pharmacy, and experienced team, we’re able to provide fast, targeted care for toxic exposures. We’re proud to be a place where pet families turn when seconds matter. 

Final Thoughts 

Illicit and recreational drugs can pose serious, even fatal, risks to pets. From cannabis edibles to opioids like fentanyl, exposure is more common than many pet owners realize—and increasingly dangerous. By being vigilant at home and in public spaces, and by seeking immediate care when symptoms arise, we can protect our pets from preventable harm. 

If you ever suspect your pet may have been exposed to a toxic substance, don’t hesitate to contact us or visit our emergency hospital right away. 

For more information, visit the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association for additional resources on poisoning prevention.