In the first occurrence of its sort, animal rescue personnel treated a dog for alcohol addiction. Coco, a two-year-old Labrador cross, and another dog were taken into Woodside Animal Rescue Trust in Plympton, Devon, after their owner died.
Staff at the rescue centre say the dogs grew addicted to alcohol when their owner left drinks out before going to bed. The animals needed emergency care immediately after they arrived because they were having fits.
While one of the dogs died later, Coco recovered after being treated for alcohol withdrawal. Coco was sedated for four weeks in order to avoid any seizures.
Coco ‘required round the clock care’
Woodside Animal Rescue Trust wrote on social media: “Canine alcohol withdrawal, a first for us.”
“We would like to introduce you to the newest member of Dunroamin Special Care Unit, a lovely boy called Coco,” they went on to write. “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.
“After arriving with his canine pal following the death of his owner, he and his companion became quickly unwell. Coco’s friend was repeatedly fitting and soon after Coco also started to fit. Thankfully, a vet was on site at the time and was able to administer emergency care, but sadly Coco’s friend passed away despite our best efforts.
“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 centre said it hoped Coco will eventually be adopted. It added: “We are so thankful that we are now out of danger and Coco is off all medication and is now starting to behave like a normal dog.
“He is not yet ready for adoption and whilst physically he seems to have recovered, mentally he is still very anxious at times.”