NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — In a story that was widely reported on local news media, including KTLA, on November 5, a North Hollywood couple and their Husky mix found themselves in a nightmarish situation, when the couple realized the dog had ingested methamphetamine while on a morning walk.

The dog’s mom, Karla Vicuña, told reporters that Atreyu, a Husky-Shepard mix, returned from a walk with her husband and immediately began acting strangely. By the time they got to the vet, the dog was panting and unable to calm down. Vets found that Atreya’s heart rate was elevated and he also had a fever. Suspecting that it was a case of toxic exposure, the vets administered a drug test which came back positive for meth.

Vicuña added that this is second exposure to a hazardous substance for the four-year old dog. Atreya apparently also ate some cannabis while on a walk at a local park a few months ago. In that situation, his mom said he became lethargic and “drowsy.”

Owners are advised, especially when walking dogs near urban, nightlife areas and frequented parks, to always be diligent about keeping an eye on potential hazards and to rein in curious dogs who might be tempted to woof down something toxic.

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance and you see a sudden change in condition or behavior — like what happened with Atreya — you should take the dog to a vet or contact your vet immediately. Symptoms can include sudden lethargy, excessive vomiting, inability to stand, unusual pacing or behaviors, troubling breathing and sudden allergic reactions (like hives), among others.

For information on hazardous toxic exposures and pets, click here, to read APT’s “What To Do If You Think Your Dog Ate Something Toxic.”

Photo by Hemang Patel on Unsplash.