Be Safe as Houses
How Meth Contamination Affects PETS
Pets need us to care
YES pets can be affected by Meth too. Although there is minimal research available Vets are aware of some of the harmful effects of Meth exposure. If you love your pet then it is imperative that you learn what Meth can do to them and how to protect them.
Dogs and Cats
For dogs and cats the usual method of exposure to Meth is through ingestion e.g. if they find the users stash and swallow it. However as dogs and cats spend a lot of time on the floor and in contact with carpets etc then exposure can come from licking their paws or fur.
Birds
Having a bird in a cage does not necessarily protect them from Meth exposure. They may not be in contact with it but they can breathe it in.
Fish
Logic would tell us that if Meth residue can contaminate surfaces then it can also contaminate water in a fish bowl or aquarium. There is however little research available to determine the real impact on pet fish.
Dogs and Cats
Meth is extremely poisonous to animals and if it is ingested can cause some very distressing symptoms and health issues for the animal. Dogs and Cats spend most of their time in direct contact with the floor where Meth residue can contaminate their paws and their fur. This is then licked by the animal and enters their system. Meth may also be ingested if they find the users ‘stash’. Meth ingested by pets acts on them in similar ways to people. The animal may lose its appetite or have problems relaxing or sleeping. Of a more serious concern is if they begin to experience seizures, heart attacks, central nervous system disorders, malnourishment, vomiting, sores, burns and skin problems. Many animals can have behavioural problems such as aggression and confusion. As many users tend to have dogs with a natural tendency to be aggressive adding Meth to the mix can make the animal even worse, especially if they suffer from hallucinations. Some animals, especially cats, can appear to be hypervigilant they may simply sit and stare, or as one cat did when it had hallucinations it stood on its back legs and walked backwards in fright.
The Video below demonstrates how a small amount of Meth ingested by a puppy can have quite a substantial effect.
If you suspect Meth poisoning get your pet to a Vet immediately.
Symptoms
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Hyperactivity
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Aggression
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Agitation
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Salivation
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Lack of coordination
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Vocalization
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Depression
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Fever
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High blood pressure
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Increased heartbeat
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Dilated pupils
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Weakness
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Head bobbing
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Circling
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Change in heartrate
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Bloody diarrhea
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Tremors
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Seizures
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Respiratory failure
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Hyperthermia, increased body temperature
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Death
Birds
Whilst birds are rarely found in Meth houses they can be quite severely affected by Meth. There is minimal research into exactly what the effects are but in some cases they have been known to lose all their feathers possibly due to the irritation of their skin from the Meth residue.
Follow this link to a story of a rescue centre for abused birds.
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Pet fish
Again research into the effects on goldfish or aquarium fish in Meth houses is scarce however there is research into the effects and addiction of Trout that swim in Meth contaminated water. The researchers studied the effects of Meth on brown trout. They discovered that after swimming in Meth contaminated water for two months the Trout demonstrated signs of withdrawal when removed and placed in clean water. Also when offered the option to swim in clean water or Meth contaminated water many of them chose the Meth contaminated water. The addicted Trout moved around less than the clean trout during withdrawal and the researchers also found Meth in the brains of some of them. If it can happen to trout it can happen to your pet goldfish or aquarium fish.
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Follow this link to read the article on how Meth polluted waterways are turning Trout into addicts.
