Household Pets and Naloxone (Narcan®)

Household Pets and Naloxone (Narcan®) - What Every Pet Owner Should Know About Opioid Exposure.

Did you know that naloxone may also help save the life of a pet experiencing an opioid overdose? Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan®, is an opioid reversal medication. Veterinary medical references recognize naloxone as an antidote for opioid poisoning in animals, including dogs and cats.

Pets can accidentally be exposed to opioids through prescription medications, illicit substances, discarded materials, or accidental ingestion.

🚨 Know the Warning Signs

Possible signs of opioid poisoning in a pet may include:

Extreme sleepiness or unresponsiveness
Difficulty walking or loss of coordination
Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing
Weakness or collapse
Constricted pupils
Vomiting
Seizures
Coma

If your pet is unconscious, having difficulty breathing, having seizures, or has collapsed, treat it as a veterinary emergency.

💙 Could Naloxone Help?

Potentially, yes.

Veterinary references recognize naloxone as an opioid antidote for animals. In an emergency involving suspected opioid exposure, naloxone may help reverse opioid-related respiratory depression while professional veterinary care is being obtained.

However, Naloxone does not treat every type of poisoning. It specifically reverses opioid effects.

And importantly, Naloxone can wear off before the opioid does. A pet that initially improves can become critically ill again and may require additional treatment and monitoring. That means: Naloxone is not a substitute for veterinary care.

If you suspect opioid exposure, contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

🐕🐈 What Should You Do?

1. Remove the pet from the suspected source if you can do so safely.
2. Check responsiveness and breathing.
3. Contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital.
4. If opioid exposure is suspected and naloxone is available, it may be used as an emergency intervention while veterinary assistance is being obtained.
5. Continue monitoring the pet even if it appears to improve.

Do not induce vomiting or give other medications unless directed by a veterinarian or animal poison-control professional.

☎️ Important Pet Poisoning Resources

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center ~ 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
📞 (888) 426-4435

ASPCA Animal Poison Control⁠. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center provides access to veterinary toxicology professionals for suspected animal poisonings. A consultation fee may apply.

Pet Poison Helpline
📞 (855) 764-7661

Pet Poison Helpline: Opioids & Opiates⁠

Merck Veterinary Manual

Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicoses From Human Recreational Drugs⁠
Merck Veterinary Manual: Poisonings From Illicit and Abused Drugs⁠

❤️ Why Heartstart Heroes Is Sharing This

At Heartstart Heroes CPR & First Aid, we believe emergency preparedness includes knowing what resources may be available when seconds matter.
Naloxone is an important tool in responding to opioid emergencies in people, and veterinary medicine recognizes its use in opioid poisoning in animals as well.

Knowing this information could help a pet owner recognize an opioid emergency and take action while professional veterinary care is being obtained.

Share this information.

You never know when a pet may accidentally encounter an opioid or when knowing about naloxone could make a difference.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This information is provided by Heartstart Heroes CPR & First Aid for general educational and emergency preparedness purposes. Heartstart Heroes CPR & First Aid is not a veterinary medical provider, and this information does not constitute veterinary diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice.

Naloxone does not reverse every type of poisoning and does not replace veterinary evaluation or treatment.

For any suspected poisoning, overdose, breathing difficulty, unconsciousness, seizure, or other life-threatening emergency involving a pet, seek professional veterinary assistance immediately.

Educational resources: