A two-year-old husky named Nilak accidentally overdosed on cocaine after swallowing a discarded napkin during a walk with his owner Sara Bell in a park in British Columbia, western Canada. Bell initially wasn’t worried when her dog grabbed the item off the ground, but when Nilak started behaving strangely, she rushed him to the veterinarian. The incident occurred during one of their regular outings, when the husky suddenly snatched a napkin from the ground and swallowed it whole before Bell could remove it from his mouth.
“He just swallowed it in one piece, I couldn’t get it out of his mouth,” Bell told CBC News. She wasn’t immediately concerned, as Nilak had picked up random objects before without issue, but as the walk progressed, his behavior became increasingly alarming. Footage captured at the time shows the husky bobbing his head and struggling to maintain his balance. Because Nilak has a diagnosed condition affecting his liver function, Bell initially didn’t assign much importance to the symptoms, but when he refused to get out of the car upon returning home, she knew something was seriously wrong.
The emergency veterinary visit revealed shocking results. Testing confirmed that Nilak had overdosed on cocaine, leaving Bell devastated and fearful for her pet’s life. “I was crying because I was convinced I would have to put him to sleep,” she recalled. “And then the vet came over and said, ‘It’s cocaine.’ I asked him, ‘What do you mean, cocaine?’” Fortunately, after veterinarians administered an IV infusion, Nilak’s condition improved rapidly and he made a full recovery. The experience left Bell shaken and anxious about future walks with her beloved dog. You can watch video here.
“I was in disbelief and shock, very scared for my dog. It’s terrible that this can happen, and in so many places. You become afraid to take your dog for a walk,” she admitted. “I never want to go through that again.” Bell’s fears are not unfounded, as veterinarian Tracy Fisher explained to CBC News that similar cases are becoming increasingly common across North America. The veterinarian noted that drug exposure incidents are occurring almost everywhere illegal substances are used, emphasizing that rapid response is crucial for survival.
“If they arrive alive at the clinic, the chances we’ll save them are very good because we can immediately administer naloxone. We can provide respiratory support and control seizures,” Dr. Fisher explained. The veterinarian’s comments highlight the importance of acting quickly if a pet shows signs of drug ingestion, including unusual behavior, loss of coordination, seizures, or difficulty breathing. Pet owners should immediately contact emergency veterinary services if they suspect their animal has consumed any toxic substance, as every minute counts in these critical situations.
Understanding cocaine toxicity in dogs is essential for pet owners to recognize danger signs. Dogs can be exposed to cocaine through accidental ingestion of discarded drug paraphernalia, contaminated items in public spaces, or in homes where substances are present. The drug affects the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, causing symptoms like hyperactivity, elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, tremors, seizures, and potentially fatal heart problems. Small amounts can be extremely dangerous for dogs due to their smaller body size and different metabolism compared to humans.
Preventive measures include keeping dogs on short leashes in unfamiliar areas, teaching strong leave it commands, and being vigilant about what dogs pick up during walks. Public parks, urban areas, and locations known for drug activity require extra caution from responsible pet owners. If ingestion is suspected, owners should note the time, any visible symptoms, and seek immediate veterinary care rather than waiting to see if conditions worsen. Quick veterinary intervention with treatments like activated charcoal, IV fluids, anti-seizure medications, and supportive care can mean the difference between recovery and tragedy.
What precautions do you take to keep your pets safe during walks in public spaces? Share your thoughts in the comments.
