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Opioids and Opiates Poisoning in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 07/07/2016Updated: 09/09/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What is Opioids and Opiates Poisoning?
There are many medications made from opium, both prescription and street drugs. Some of those are morphine, heroin, hydrocodone, codeine, and methadone. The cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and central nervous systems are all affected by opioids and opiates, slowing down breathing and heart rate. Opioid and opiate poisoning can occur from accidental ingestion of human medication and accidental overdose from giving the wrong dosage. The effects are seen within about 30 minutes, depending on the method of exposure and amount ingested. The most common cause of opioid or opiate poisoning is the oral ingestion of human medication, from pills or patches. The most common signs of toxicity are severe drowsiness, slow breathing and heart rate, seizures, and vomiting. If you believe your dog may have gotten a toxic dose of opioids or opiates, call your veterinarian immediately or go to the animal hospital, even if there are no symptoms yet.
Opioids and opiates are medications made from opium, which is a drug derived from the liquid (latex) inside of a poppy. These medications are used for pain relief in people and animals, blocking the pain signals from reaching the brain. Many veterinarians use opioids and opiates in the hospital for pain relief and sedation in dogs during and after medical procedures. Sometimes, the veterinarian will prescribe pain medication for your dog, but most do not use opiates or opioids for dogs unless under medical supervision. This is because, even small doses, opioids and opiates can be dangerous for your dog due to the extreme effect it has on the central nervous system. Your dog can become unconscious and stop breathing within minutes of ingestion, so veterinarians will only prescribe opioids and opiates for pain in extreme circumstances. It is also possible for your dog to be poisoned from getting into your pain medication, either oral or patch form, and this can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Opioids and Opiates Poisoning Average Cost
From 38 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,800
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Symptoms of Opioids and Opiates Poisoning in Dogs
The symptoms of opioid and opiate poisoning have similar symptoms but can vary depending on the animal. In some cases, these drugs can cause sleepiness, but in others, the same amount of the same drug may cause excitability. The most commonly reported signs of toxicity are:
- Abnormal behavior
- Coma
- Dilated pupils
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Seizures
- Severe sedation
- Slowed heart and breathing rate
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Walking as if drunk
- Weakness
Less common symptoms are:
- Extreme excitability
- Nervousness
- Respiratory arrest (not breathing)
- Shaking uncontrollably
- Sleepiness
Types
- Opioid poisoning is caused by overdose of a narcotic pain reliever that is at least partially man-made and not found in nature
- Opiate poisoning results from ingestion of a large amount of a narcotic pain reliever made naturally from the opium sap of a poppy
Causes of Opioids and Opiates Poisoning in Dogs
Many different medications and drugs can cause opioid or opiate poisoning, such as:
- Atarax
- Buprenorphine
- Butorphanol
- Codeine
- Demerol
- Dilaudid
- Diphenoxylate
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Loperamide
- Lortab
- Meperidine
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Norco
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Pentazocine
- Profadol
- Propoxyphene
- Tramadol
Diagnosis of Opioids and Opiates Poisoning in Dogs
Your veterinarian will start by doing a complete physical of your dog, including eye, ear, and nose exam, reflexes, pulse and respiration rates, height, weight, body temperature, and blood pressure. Be prepared with your dog’s complete medical history, even if you are seeing your regular veterinarian. It saves time if the veterinarian does not have to go through paperwork to find out if your dog has had his shots and what recent illnesses and injuries he has had.
One of the first tests your veterinarian will likely perform is a complete blood count (CBC) to measure platelets, white, and red blood cells. Blood chemistry, liver enzyme function, and a toxicology screening will also be done. Some of the other tests that may be recommended are radiographs (x-rays) of the chest and abdomen and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical and musculature activity of the heart.
Treatment of Opioids and Opiates Poisoning in Dogs
Treatment depends on the amount of drugs ingested and your dog’s condition upon arrival. If your dog is in respiratory arrest, the veterinarian will begin oxygen therapy and place a nasal cannula in your dog’s nose to administer oxygen continuously. IV fluids and medication will be started to treat whatever symptoms your dog is experiencing. To counteract the opioid or opiate, a drug called naloxone will be given to block the narcotic effects. The veterinarian will also prescribe an anti-anxiety medication and medicine to stop seizures if needed. They will most likely keep your dog overnight for observation to monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate.
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Recovery of Opioids and Opiates Poisoning in Dogs
Once your dog is released to go home, the veterinarian may prescribe anti-anxiety medication for a few days to give as needed to keep your dog relaxed. It is important for his recovery to get rest and not be agitated. Be sure to follow up with the veterinarian as needed and call if you have any questions or concerns. Keep all medications out of the reach of your dog to prevent this from happening again.
Opioids and Opiates Poisoning Average Cost
From 38 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,800
Top
Opioids and Opiates Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Chihuahua
Eighteen Months
26 found this helpful
26 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lathargic, Foaming At Mouth ,Acting Different
What can i do she may have got into drugs
Dec. 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
26 Recommendations
She needs to see a vet immediately as she is already showing signs.
The vet can induce vomiting and start her on activated charcoal. They can also run blood tests to determine exactly what is going on.
Time is of the essence here and hopefully all will be well if we get her seen promptly.
Dec. 24, 2020
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Twelve Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
my dog just ate 1 of my opioid tablet's..what do i do please
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, without knowing how big your dog is, what type of opioid or strength that he ate or any other information, I cannot say if it is a problem or not. It would be best to call either a pet poison hotline and give them that information, or a 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic. With those numbers, they can let you know if you have anything to be worried about. I hope that all goes well.
Sept. 30, 2020
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Chihuahua
Six Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy, Shivering, Won'T Drink, Will Eat A Little,.
I think my chihuahua ingested my suboxone strip
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
It would be best to take your dog to see a veterinarian as soon as possible, as it sounds like she needs some help. They will be able to assess her and see what therapy she might need.
I hope that she is okay.
Sept. 30, 2020
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Shepherd
Three Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Sure
I'm not exactly sure but think my dog maybe ate a 8mg suboxone tablet will he be ok
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I'm not familiar with that medication. I hope that she is okay. If she is having any problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 20, 2020
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Lab mix
10 months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Drooling
I’m not sure how much it was an a lot but he’s drooling
Aug. 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello, If your dog did get into an opioid and is showing signs, it would be best to see your vet. They can easily treat an opioid overdose. This cannot be easily treated at home. Good Luck
Aug. 30, 2020
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poddle mix
valentina
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hyperactivity
Dehydrated
Fast Heart Rate
Heavey Breatheing
I have a very small poodle and believe some how got into herion im not a 100% sure but i have a feeling thats what it is shes acting very strange and im scared tis is fatal can anyone help me ? I'm very worried
Jack Russell Terrier
Miss Lilly
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking
Staggering
Wandering
Disoriented
Collapsing
My 9-year-old small terrier who is on low dose seizure meds (Kbr) had to have an ultrasound and the sedative used was butorphenol. Previously she was typical high energy very smart Jack Russell, very active and athletic. Brought her home from vet after the ultrasound (which vet said was "unremarkable") and 24 hours later she is wandering, collapsing, "stuck in corners" as though she's gone neuro, staggering, walking like drunk, can't stay on feet, seems out of it. I called the vet and they basically blew it off and said it takes a "while" for the butorphenol to "wear off." All I have read indicates butorphenol is fast acting/fast resolving. My dog has not had another seizure but I am concerned that she is now mentally and physically gone away into some horrible phase she won't recover from. Vet was very dismissive about the whole thing. I live in a small town and all the vets talk to each other. I don't know where to turn. Terrified I am losing my dog! BTW the ultrasound cost over $600 and all I've got to show for it is a dog who appears to be dying. Please help with good information as I'm not getting that from my vet.
Chihuahua
Sparky
2 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargic
Whining
Foaming At The Mouth
My 2 month old Chihuahua, named Sparky, 1ingested less than half of a 10mg methadone pill, we pulled it from her mouth and it was barely dissolved. She started whining and began foaming from the mouth. She also became lethargic. Took her to 24hr pet emergency hospital. Still here, still waiting, I was wondering if this could be fatal for her and what possible side effects could she have. KShe weighs 1.4kg
Opioids and Opiates Poisoning Average Cost
From 38 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,800
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
