Illegal drugs and pets

Like it or not, illegal drugs are a part of our society. Your neighbor or even someone in your home may have a drug habit. What you need to be aware of is the fact that your pets maybe affected by illegal drugs.  Drugs that can easily be absorbed through the skin is what you need to be on the look out for. Heroin, cocaine and opium all can be easily absorbed through dogs and cats paws. Both animals are likely to lick their paws if they have walked through something that irritates them. That increases the odds of exposure. Dogs are easier to control their wanderings but cats, unless they are kept inside 24/7 are more likely to become exposed.

So what can you do? Unlike humans that can undergo a rapid opiate detox program, pets are quite different. They will be more quickly affected and because of their small size they will need a trip to the vet fast. Rapid breathing and heartbeat which can lead to a heart attack or respiratory failure are a the main worries.

Keep your pet safe and suspect illegal drugs or toxins should your pet start to act "strange," after a trip outside.