**Rise in Drug Poisoning Cases in Dogs Sparks Urgent Alerts from Experts**
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Experts across the United Kingdom are sounding alarms regarding an alarming trend of dogs ingesting recreational drugs found in public spaces. From parks and alleyways to cemeteries and even human waste, the problem appears to be worsening, with animal poison specialists urging pet owners to remain vigilant.
Recent statistics from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) reveal that the number of reported incidents involving canine drug ingestion rose significantly in 2025. The UK’s sole emergency poison centre documented 633 drug-related calls involving pets, marking a dramatic 42% increase from the previous year’s 445 incidents. On average, this equates to approximately one call per day, with an astonishing 87% surge in cases since 2021.
Nicola Robinson, head of service at VPIS, expressed growing concerns over the increasing workload. “We’re very busy at the moment, so I expect we’ll have a record year again this year,” she stated. Most cases are attributed to dogs consuming cannabis and nicotine products, along with other substances such as cocaine and magic mushrooms.
Pet owners have been reporting various scenarios whereby dogs have ingested hazardous items, including laced food, discarded nicotine gum, vape liquids, and in some distressing cases, the vomit or faeces of drug users. Robinson noted a distinct difference in behaviours between species, highlighting that dogs are particularly prone to consuming items without caution. “It’s quite remarkable what dogs decide to eat,” she remarked, adding that cats demonstrate more selective behaviours, resulting in far fewer poisoning incidents among felines.
The issue is further compounded by data from pet insurance provider Waggel, which has documented a five-year trend in claims related to cannabis ingestion. Aimee Warner, a vet associated with the company, pointed out that breeds particularly known for their food motivation, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Beagles, are the most vulnerable to this growing threat.
One notable case involved a Labrador named Tokyo, who fell ill while hiking near the summit of Ben Nevis, the tallest peak in the UK. Owner Christina Bluhme and her son Magnus were distraught when Tokyo began to sway and appeared to lose consciousness. “She just lay down and was completely lifeless,” Bluhme recounted, as volunteers from the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team carried the 24-kilogram dog to safety. Following an emergency consultation with VPIS, it was determined that Tokyo had ingested cannabis. After spending the night under veterinary care, the dog recovered fully, but the incident raised significant concerns about safety in the outdoors.
In another distressing incident in Cambridge, a Jack Russell-terrier mix named Lola collapsed shortly after rummaging through bushes in a cemetery known for police drug seizures. Owner Pamela Wesson feared the worst as Lola’s condition deteriorated rapidly, recalling how her dog’s legs began to give way. “I thought she was going to die,” said Wesson, highlighting the serious and unpredictable nature of such occurrences.
Veterinary experts are urging pet owners to prioritise their pet’s health over delays in seeking help. Robinson emphasised the importance of immediate action: “Go to the vets and let the vet ring and get treatment advice if they need it,” she advised, stressing that swift veterinary intervention is crucial when drug ingestion is suspected.
The combination of increasing drug availability in public spaces and dogs’ propensity to consume potentially harmful items calls for greater awareness among dog owners. As the number of drug-related incidents continues to rise, experts are advocating for more education on the risks posed to pets to mitigate these dangerous scenarios in the future.
In summary, the spate of dogs ingesting drugs highlights a pressing issue that pet owners cannot afford to ignore. As statistics show a troubling upward trend, it becomes imperative for dog owners to remain alert and proactive in safeguarding their beloved pets against the dangers lurking in everyday environments.