We're drugging the dogs, we're drugging the cats

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-12-21 03:00

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Four years of data from the Pet Poison Helpline in the US have shown a significant increase in dogs and cats being exposed to cocaine. The researchers did not find the same increasing trends for cats' and dogs' exposure to methamphetamine. The authors say any degree of exposure should be considered concerning, as there is the risk of severe toxicity and death, even with treatment. They say as harms related to illicit substance use continue to trend upward, recognising the potentially fatal effects on animals in the surrounding environment may help to minimise exposure to household pets.

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Journal/
conference: JAMA Network Open

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: University of North Carolina, USA

Funder: Dr Schmid reported being employed by SafetyCall International/Pet Poison Helpline, which is the company that collected the data used for this manuscript. No other disclosures were reported.

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