Cocaine and methamphetamines are the two most commonly used illicit drugs by people in the United States.¹ Unfortunately, where these drugs are present, pets can be unintentionally exposed - cocaine and methamphetamine rank among the top five substances involved in illicit drug exposures in both dogs and cats.¹

While we may think of these situations as rare or unlikely, accidental and intentional, malicious exposures do happen. Curious pets can come into contact with drug residue and contaminated items in environments where illicit substances have been used.

Cocaine – also known as coke, crack, blow, snow, C, or flake - is an alkaloid derived from the coca plant. It is generally made available as a white powder and is often mixed with other substances - sometimes harmless fillers like lactose or starch, and sometimes other drugs such as amphetamines, lidocaine, or PCP.

Pets are most often exposed by:

• Ingestion (eating contaminated food, residue, or debris)
• Inhalation (sniffing powder or surfaces)
• Contact during police or military work (working detection dogs)
  
  

Cocaine is rapidly absorbed through the mouth, nose, lungs, and digestive tract. It crosses into the brain within minutes, and dogs usually show symptoms within 10–15 minutes of exposure.²

While only about 20% of ingested cocaine is absorbed through the gut, it can still cause serious, life-threatening effects. The lethal dose varies depending on how the drug enters the body.

• The lethal oral dose of cocaine in dogs is roughly between 26-52 mg/kg.^3,4
• The lethal intravenous dose ranges between 12 mg/kg – 15 mg/kg in dogs and cats respectively. While it would highly unusual for a dog or cat to be exposed intravenously, accidental inhalation in working dogs can mimic the rapid absorption and potency of intravenous exposure in humans.⁴

 
Once in the body, cocaine:

• Increases levels of excitatory neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine
• Overstimulates the nervous system - leading to extreme agitation and seizures
• Affects the heart - blocks sodium channels and disturbs normal cardiac electrical activity
• Constricts blood vessels - leads to reduced oxygen flow to vital organs

These combined effects can lead to dangerous heart arrhythmias, overheating, respiratory distress, coma, and even death.

Clinical Signs of Cocaine Toxicity in Pets

Pets typically show intense stimulation followed by depression of the central nervous system. Signs may include:

Neurologic signs

• Hyperactivity or extreme agitation
• Muscle tremors or shaking
• Hypersensitivity to sound or touch
• Ataxia (unsteady gait)
• Seizures
• Coma (in severe cases)
  
  

Heart and respiratory signs

• Rapid breathing (tachypnea) or difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Increased blood pressure
• Collapse
  
  

Gastrointestinal and general signs

• Dilated pupils
• Vomiting
• Excessive drooling
• Elevated body temperature (hyperthermia)

Without prompt treatment, fatal complications (e.g. respiratory failure or heart failure) can occur.

Cocaine exposure should be considered a life-threatening emergency.

If a pet has known or suspected exposure:

1.   Seek veterinary care immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

2.   If safe to do so, bring the product or residue with you for identification.

3.   Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian. Cocaine is absorbed quickly and vomiting may worsen symptoms or lead to other complications.

4.   Keep the pet calm and prevent injury during tremors or seizures.

Treatment & Prognosis

There is no specific antidote for cocaine and treatment is supportive in nature:

• IV fluids
• Medications to control seizures or agitation
• Drugs to manage heart arrhythmias
• Cooling measures for hyperthermia
• Respiratory support if needed
  
  

Pets who receive prompt and aggressive treatment may recover. However, those with severe complications — especially hyperthermia or prolonged seizures — have a guarded prognosis.

Cocaine toxicity in pets is a medical emergency. Even small exposures can cause life-threatening symptoms within minutes, but prompt veterinary care can greatly increase the chance of survival.

If you suspect that your pet has been exposed to cocaine or any illicit drug, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline immediately:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

References:

[1] Cat and Dog Exposures to Cocaine or Methamphetamine. JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Dec 20;7(12):e2451833. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.51833

[2] Intoxication of dogs and cats with common stimulating, hallucinogenic and dissociative recreational drugs. Veterinary and Animal Science. March 2023;19(3):100288. doi: 10.1016/j.vas.2023.100288

[3] American College of Veterinary Pharmacists (accessed 12/9/25)

[4] Toxicities from Illicit and Abused Drugs. Merck Veterinary Manual (accessed 12/9/25)