A Pacific Beach veterinarian weighs in after one dog got sick and, in one case, a dog died after being exposed to methamphetamine at Dog Beach in Ocean Beach.

SAN DIEGO — Some San Diego dog owners reported that their dogs became ill and, in one case, died after being exposed to methamphetamine at Dog Beach in Ocean Beach early October.

One owner, Mark Smith, brought his one-and-a-half-year-old dog Trouble to Dog Beach on Oct. 8. After “Trouble” ran around and played, Smith said he noticed she was behaving abnormally. 

Smith told CBS 8 he took her to a veterinarian at ABC Veterinary Hospital in Pacific Beach.

“There’s certain head movements they might do. They might act restless. They might be pacing… There’s a lot just based on those symptoms where we’re like, ‘Ok I have a feeling like what’s going on,'” Liz Noppinger, an associate veterinarian at ABC Veterinary Hospital, said. 

Bloodwork confirmed that “Trouble” had ingested methamphetamine. 

For this case, Noppinger told CBS 8 they were able to counter-act the stimulant effects to Trouble’s nervous system. Pets ingesting this type of drug can cause serious and even fatal poisoning. 

Another dog owner, Brianna Grace, shared with CBS 8 last week that her seven-year-old dog, Nala, died after ingested meth at Dog Beach on Oct. 8. 

Meanwhile. the City of San Diego told CBS 8 that reports like these are uncommon.

“Especially in public places like that… you know… Their noses are to the ground. Sniffing, looking for anything interesting. It’s out there. They’re exposed. It’s interesting enough for them to go after it and sniff at it. Just like they might sniff at a treat, or something like that. It’s common enough in veterinary medicine that we know what to look for,” Noppinger said. 

Meanwhile, ABC Veterinary Hospital is reminding pet owners to stay vigilant while walking their pets in public areas, as exposure to harmful substances can happen unexpectedly.

“…We also encourage owners to practice training that discourages pets from picking up or ingesting unknown items from the ground,” the veterinary hospital said in a statement. “Our team remains committed to the health and safety of all animals in our community and appreciates everyone’s efforts to keep local beaches and parks safe for pets and people alike. Please be sure to seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet begins to display any worrisome symptoms.”

The San Diego Humane Society also advises that symptoms of meth ingestion can appear within 30 minutes to a few hours after ingestion. 

If you suspect your dog ingested methamphetamine, SDHS advises:

Call an emergency veterinarian or pet poison control immediately.
Contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital or a pet poison control hotline right away. Be prepared to share:Your dog’s weightApproximate amount ingestedTime of ingestionDo not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.
Inducing vomiting can cause serious complications, such as seizures. Call a vet first and get to an emergency hospital immediately — the veterinary team will determine if inducing vomiting is appropriate.Do not give home remedies.
Avoid giving milk, oils, or any other substances, as these can worsen your dog’s condition.Keep your dog calm.
Move your dog to a quiet, cool area away from light, noise and stimulation while you prepare to transport them.Secure any remaining substance.
If possible, safely collect any remaining material or packaging and bring it with you to the veterinary clinic.Transport your dog without delay.
Take your dog to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic right away. Call ahead to alert them you are on your way with a possible meth ingestion case.


 Symptoms of methamphetamine ingestion

Symptoms can appear within 30 minutes to a few hours and vary depending on how much was ingested.

Severe agitation or hyperactivityRestlessness or pacingTremors, muscle twitching, or seizuresDisorientation, circling, or aggressionDilated pupils

Rapid or elevated heart rate (tachycardia)High blood pressure (hypertension)

Excessive panting or rapid breathingVomiting and/or diarrheaIncreased body temperature (hyperthermia)Drooling