Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
What to know about pets exposed to kratom?
By Maxwell, Elizabeth A et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2026·College of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Characterization of incidental kratom exposure in companion animals.
Plain-English summary
A dog was reported to have ingested kratom, a plant that can be toxic to pets, and showed signs of lethargy, weakness, and excessive drooling. This study found that many dogs and cats exposed to kratom experienced similar symptoms, including vocalization and sedation. The exact outcomes for most of these animals were not known, which means it's unclear how they fared in the long term. If you suspect your pet has ingested kratom, it's important to consult your veterinarian for advice and possible treatment options.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe exposure characteristics and clinical signs of companion animals following incidental exposure to kratom. METHODS: Cases were identified from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control Center electronic database between February 2014 and December 2024. Geographic, exposure details and clinical variables were collected. RESULTS: From 2014 to 2024, there were 139 animals (128 dogs, 9 cats, 1 pig, and 1 rabbit) that had incidental exposure to kratom. Oral ingestion was the primary route of exposure. Doses when available ranged from 1.2 mg/kg to 4,775 mg/kg (median 203.5 mg/kg). The most common clinical signs seen in dogs were lethargy/weakness/sedation, followed by vocalization and hypersalivation/lip licking. In cats, lethargy, mydriasis, and vocalization were the most reported clinical signs. The outcomes were unknown for most animals. CONCLUSIONS: Incidental kratom exposure in companion animals may occur predominantly through ingestion with clinical signs in dogs consisting of lethargy, vocalization, and hypersalivation, while in cats, lethargy, mydriasis, and vocalization are most common. Because most cases had unknown outcomes, the long-term prognosis is unclear. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Veterinarians should consider kratom exposure in the differential for nonspecific lethargy, vocalization, or nausea, especially in states where kratom is legal.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41461137/