A tragic rescue story of a canine named Coco has gone viral across the world. The story highlights the unexpected danger of alcohol to dogs, and the necessity of keeping such substances out of reach.
Source: Newsweek
In this article, we will delve into the story of Coco, his survival, and what pet owners need to keep in mind to keep their furry friends safe.
Coco’s Story
Coco, a young dog that is believed to be a spaniel and chocolate lab mix, arrived at the Woodside Animal Welfare Trust in Plymouth, England, earlier this year along with another “canine pal” after his owner died.
Both dogs became “quickly unwell” soon after their arrival at the shelter, which wrote on Facebook that the dogs started to suffer from “fits,” and that while the vet was able to provide emergency care, Coco’s companion died.
“Coco continued to be seriously unwell and required round-the-clock care. It became clear that he was suffering from symptoms that all pointed to alcohol withdrawal,” the shelter said.
“He spent four weeks sedated to help with his withdrawal symptoms and to reduce the risk of further fits.”
After the four weeks of round-the-clock attention, the shelter announced that Coco is now out of danger and has weaned off his medication.
The shelter also noted that while he’s starting to act more normally, he is still very anxious at times. Thus, Coco is not yet ready for adoption.
A Tragic First
Cora, who works at the Trust, told Newsweek that it’s “very unusual” for their shelter to see alcohol issues among dogs and said that Coco had become “dependent” on the substance.
According to the American Kennel Club, dogs have a similar reaction to alcohol as humans, although the impact of drinking it is usually “mild.”
“Dogs should never drink beer brewed for humans,” the AKC says. “Beer contains alcohol, and alcohol is toxic for dogs. Even a little beer can cause alcohol poisoning, especially if the dog is small.”
If dogs do consume alcohol, the ASPCA says that they could experience a number of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, tremors, or even death.
“Under no circumstances should your pet be given any alcohol,” the organization says.
Warning to Pet Owners
This tragic story serves as a warning to pet owners worldwide. Even a small amount of alcohol can poison dogs, especially small puppies.
Vomiting, disorientation, lack of body control, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, and hypersalivation are signs of alcohol poisoning in dogs.
An animal affected by alcohol requires immediate medical attention because alcohol first impacts the brain before affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Recovery may be time-consuming.
If you think that your pet has consumed alcohol, it is imperative to contact your veterinarian right away. If the symptoms are severe enough, hospitalization may be necessary.
Final Thoughts
Coco’s story is a heartbreaking one that serves as a reminder of the unexpected dangers that surround our furry friends.
Pets should not be left in reach of harmful substances like alcohol and it is the owner’s responisibility to their pets are safe. If your pet is showing any unusual behavior, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
The love that pets provide to their owners is immeasurable, and the least we can do is ensure that we take every step to protect them from any harm.
Remember, our furry friends trust us to keep them safe, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we live up to that trust.
Please share this article to raise awareness about animal welfare.
You can read more stories like these: Abandoned dog walks over 30km a day but why? and From gloom to zoom: rescue dog goes bonkers with joy after finding furever home!
