Toxicity to pets

Cocaine is sold in either powder or crystal form. The white powdered form is commonly called coke, C, or blow, and is usually either snorted (through the nasal passage) or dissolved (and then injected intravenously). The solid, processed form of cocaine is crack, which is a more potent form (and is typically smoked). Crack is often sold as small “rocks.”

Cocaine and crack are potent neurologic stimulators (“uppers”). When snorted or smoked, they cause immediate and intense highs in people. Cocaine is well absorbed across the oral or nasal mucosa, but not typically orally. Dogs can be accidentally (hopefully not maliciously) exposed when they sniff a table or towel that has cocaine on it.

Cocaine and crack primarily affect pets’ brains and hearts. Early signs of cocaine poisoning include hyperactivity, dilated pupils, twitches or tremors, seizures, and death. The dose needed to cause poisoning in pets is very small and all exposures of illicit drugs are emergencies and need immediate veterinary evaluation.