Compassionate, cutting-edge care for pets and animals
At The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center, our top priority is making the world healthier for animals and the families who love and care for them.
Learn more about our services
Health
Can you use Narcan on dogs exposed to drugs?
If a dog overdoses on an opioid, Narcan can be used to reverse the drug’s effects
If a dog is exposed to a drug like heroin or fentanyl, it can have a significant impact in their body.
The effects are similar to an overdose in a human, says Edward Cooper, VMD, MS, DACVECC, a veterinarian, clinical professor and head of Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. In dogs, opiate drugs can cause sedation and decreased responsiveness through weakness, stumbling, collapse, shallow breaths, low heart rate and loss of consciousness.
In the video above, Dr. Cooper demonstrates how to administer naloxone (Narcan) to a dog experiencing an overdose. Below, he answers more questions about dogs in these circumstances.
How do we know when we should give a dog Narcan?
Administration of naloxone would be warranted if the dog has collapsed, lost consciousness and/or has shallow breathing. If there’s been a known, significant exposure, administer Narcan as soon as these symptoms start. It might need to be repeated, because the effects of the opioids can outlast the naloxone.
How quickly can Narcan reverse the effects of overdose in a dog?
Typically, naloxone can reverse opioids’ effects in dogs within two to three minutes. If there’s no response in three to five minutes, you can repeat the dose.
What should someone do after their dog has been exposed to a drug and has been given Narcan?
Seek emergency veterinary care immediately. The effects of a single dose of naloxone can wear off with return of symptoms and the risk of death. Supportive care for several hours or even overnight is strongly recommended.
Susannah Kistler is associate editor of Ohio State Health & Discovery and associate director of multimedia strategy and storytelling at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Department of Marketing and Strategic Communications.
Topics
Related websites
Recent Videos
Articles on Health
Brain and Spine
The do’s and don’ts of sciatica
Sciatica refers to the pain you feel along the sciatic nerve. Learn more about how to avoid sciatica and how to treat sciatic nerve pain from an Ohio State neurologist and pain management specialist.
Heart and Vascular
Rare aortic dissection targets two siblings, saved by the same surgeon
Learn how one surgeon’s care helped save two siblings from a rare, often-fatal heart condition.