Accidental opioid poisoning is a danger for our companion animals, especially dogs, as well as for humans.  A new study analyzed data from the Animal Poison Control Center for the years 2006-2014 to identify risk factors for opioid poisoning in U.S. pet dogs.

Not surprisingly, there was a significant link between the number of accidental dog opioid poisoning calls and the county-level human opioid prescription rate.

The number of calls tended to be lower for older and heavier dogs.  Smaller, younger dogs were more likely to accidentally ingest opioids.  Neutered dogs were found to have lower poisoning call rates than intact dogs.

The call rate for accidental opioid poisoning in dogs peaked during 2008 and then began to decline.  The authors speculate that this may be related to an overall decline in the number of prescriptions being written.

The authors note that like human children, curious dogs are also at risk for accidental ingestion of harmful substances like prescription opioids and other drugs like marijuana.

Awareness of the characteristics that put dogs at risk can help to reduce the number of accidental poisonings.  While calls about opiates may be on the decline, the authors remind owners to be mindful of all human drugs and other toxicants, like pesticides and poisonous plants.