North Hollywood, CA — What began as a typical morning stroll in a North Hollywood neighborhood quickly turned into a nightmare for a local couple when their 4-year-old German Shepherd-Husky mix, named Atreyu, accidentally ingested methamphetamine.
Owner Karla Vicuña said she noticed something was wrong with her beloved pet shortly after returning home from the walk.
“He was not able to settle down,” Vicuña recalled. “His eyes were moving in a weird way.”
Realizing something was seriously wrong, Vicuña and her husband rushed Atreyu to their veterinarian, where the dog’s symptoms immediately raised alarm.
Dog Tests Positive for Methamphetamine
At the veterinary clinic, doctors observed that Atreyu’s heart rate was dangerously high, and his body temperature had spiked to 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
“He was panting a lot and couldn’t calm down,” Vicuña said to KTLA.
All signs pointed to toxin exposure, prompting the veterinarian to perform a drug test, which came back positive for methamphetamine.
Vicuña’s husband believes Atreyu may have ingested the drug during their walk home through a neighborhood alleyway.
“He saw Atreyu grab something, but he couldn’t tell what,” Vicuña said. “He ate it super fast.”
Veterinarian Warns of Growing Trend
Dr. Ezra Ameis, veterinarian and owner of Paw Priority in Los Angeles, said this type of incident is becoming increasingly common in large urban areas.
“Every few days, I see a case like this,” Dr. Ameis explained. “Anywhere there might be people doing drugs, they might be dropping stuff that the animals can eat.”
He warned that methamphetamine ingestion can be extremely dangerous and even fatal for dogs.
“A dog could definitely die from a meth overdose,” he said. “It depends on how much they got into and how big the dog is.”
Not the First Time It Happened
Shockingly, this was not Atreyu’s first encounter with toxic substances. Vicuña said a few months earlier, her dog accidentally consumed marijuana at a nearby park.
“At that time, he was the opposite,” she explained. “He was very drowsy. He was trying to stand up and then he would pee on himself.”
The incident left the couple even more cautious, but despite their vigilance, Atreyu still managed to ingest harmful drugs again — this time, with potentially deadly consequences.
Advice for Pet Owners
Dr. Ameis emphasized that such accidents are more common in big cities, where drugs and other toxic substances are often left on sidewalks, in parks, or near alleys.
He advises pet owners to stay alert during walks and maintain a strong relationship with their veterinarian for quick response in emergencies.
“Having a good relationship with a vet is a good idea,” Ameis said.
Experts recommend that if a dog shows sudden unusual behavior, such as agitation, shaking, rapid breathing, or lethargy after a walk, owners should seek immediate veterinary care.
A Message for Awareness
Vicuña said she chose to share her story to help raise awareness among other pet owners.
“I hope this helps other pet parents know what to look for and what to do if their pets accidentally ingest drugs or toxins,” she said.
Thanks to quick action, Atreyu survived and is recovering, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers pets face in public spaces.
Have you ever faced a scary situation with your pet after a walk? Do you think cities should take stronger measures to keep streets safe for pets? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
