A strange case of alcohol addiction was observed at the Woodside Animal Rescue Trust in Plympton, Devon, in the UK, with a dog named Coco. Coco and another dog were brought to the facility when their owner passed away.
The other dog passed away from fits, but Coco showed symptoms of alcohol withdrawal while surviving fits. The workers at the rescue facility were horrified to observe a dog going through its first bout of alcohol withdrawal. Coco developed an alcohol addiction after his owner left drinks out before going to bed.
Coco was administered emergency care from the center’s veterinarian right after, but he required round-the-clock attention and was sedated for four weeks to prevent more seizure episodes, reported the BBC.
Alcohol addiction: Coco isn’t yet ready for adoption
The tragic nature of Coco’s story emphasizes the need to use caution in these situations. The cozy setting of the Dunroamin Special Care Unit helped Coco’s physical recuperation, but he occasionally still appeared to be quite anxious.
Dogs, especially young puppies, can become poisoned by even small amounts of alcohol. Dogs are dangerous around alcohol. It can be absorbed by a pet’s body in as little as 30 minutes. Unattended or spilled consumption of alcoholic beverages is the main cause of canine alcohol poisoning occurrences. Antifreeze and hand sanitizer are two additional varieties that might be harmful if consumed.
Alcohol poisoning in dogs can include vomiting, dizziness, loss of body control, respiratory difficulties, diarrhea, and hypersalivation.
Animals need prompt medical attention and recovery could take some time because alcohol affects an animal’s brain before having an effect on its respiratory and circulatory systems.
Coco isn’t yet ready for adoption because he still needs more time to overcome his anxieties. However, with the help of the facility’s dedicated personnel, he is making progress toward a full recovery, according to the BBC.
The animal center wrote on Facebook: “We would like to introduce you to the newest member of Dunroamin Special Care Unit, a lovely boy called Coco. Coco has been with us for over a month, having required intensive care since arriving. His story is a tragic one and evidences how vital our special care unit is.”
“No one knows the specifics on how these dogs got into the situation with alcohol but we do know that without our care Coco would likely have not survived this heartbreaking ordeal,” they wrote.
According to the center, Coco is no longer in danger, is not taking any drugs, and is acting more like a typical dog.