6 Most Commonly Abused Veterinary Drugs

The abuse of veterinary drugs by humans is a growing problem that most people don’t know about. These medications, designed to help sick or injured animals, are increasingly being misused by humans for self-medicating or recreational purposes.

There are more than 5,000 approved prescription and over-the-counter medications with labeled uses for animals. Many of these drugs are the same ones prescribed to humans, sometimes in much higher concentrations for larger animal body sizes.

This disturbing trend poses risks to both human and animal health. Drugs designed for a horse can be deadly when ingested by a human. At the same time, animals suffer when their owners use medications meant for their care.

Understanding which veterinary drugs are commonly abused, why this happens, and how to recognize the warning signs of abuse can help protect both pets and people.

Veterinary Prescription Drugs Commonly Abused

Veterinary medicines can be as powerful as human medications. Many of the same drugs prescribed to people are also given to animals, and depending on the animal, in much higher concentrations. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulates many veterinary drugs as controlled substances due to their potential for abuse.

Commonly abused veterinary drugs fall into several categories, including opioid painkillers, sedatives, and tranquilizers. When taken by humans, these medications may produce euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief.

Ketamine

Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic used by veterinarians to sedate animals during surgery or medical procedures. It’s classified as a Schedule III controlled substance and is sold under brand names like Ketaset, Ketaflo, and Vetalar. In animals, ketamine works to provide sedation and pain relief. The effects occur within minutes, making it useful in emergencies.

However, ketamine has become a popular drug of abuse among humans. Individuals misuse it for its dissociative effects, which can cause hallucinations and a feeling of being disconnected from reality. On the street, it’s sometimes called “Special K” or used as a date rape drug.

The danger with veterinary ketamine is that it’s up to 10 times more potent than the human version. When someone uses a dose meant for a large animal, the risk of overdose and serious side effects increases dramatically. Long-term ketamine abuse can cause memory problems, mood disorders, and brain damage.

Xylazine

Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer used to sedate animals like dogs, cats, horses, and deer. Unlike opioids, xylazine is not a controlled substance, which makes it easier to obtain. However, this is changing as more states recognize the danger it poses. Veterinarians use xylazine as a muscle relaxant and for pain relief during procedures. It works by affecting the central nervous system, similar to how the human blood pressure medication clonidine works.

The problem is that drug dealers have started mixing xylazine with other illegal drugs, especially fentanyl. This combination is dangerous because xylazine can make the effects of opioids stronger. It also increases the risk of overdose death because overdose reversal medications like Narcan don’t work against xylazine. People who use xylazine often develop severe skin wounds that look infected and are slow to heal. These wounds can appear anywhere on the body, not just where the drug was injected. This is why xylazine has earned the nickname “zombie drug.”

Trazodone

Trazodone, also known as Oleptro and Desyrel, is prescribed by veterinarians to treat anxiety and behavioral problems in dogs and cats. It’s the same medication used in humans to treat depression and sleep problems. In animals, trazodone helps balance brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which can reduce anxiety and aggressive behavior. It’s helpful for dogs and cats with separation anxiety.

While trazodone isn’t a controlled substance, some people abuse it for its sedating effects. The drug can cause drowsiness and relaxation, which some people find appealing. However, misusing trazodone can lead to dangerous side effects like irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, seizures, and a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.

Tramadol

Tramadol is an opioid painkiller that’s prescribed to both humans and animals. It’s a Schedule IV controlled substance that veterinarians use to treat moderate to severe pain from cancer, arthritis, or after surgery. The drug works by binding to pain receptors in the brain. Tramadol also affects other brain chemicals, which can make it enticing to people seeking a mood-altering effect.

Some pet owners have been known to abuse their animals to get access to this medication. They might exaggerate their pet’s symptoms or even cause injuries to get more pills. Long-term tramadol abuse can lead to seizures, breathing problems, and serious neurological disorders. It’s also highly addictive, and stopping suddenly can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is perhaps the most dangerous drug on this list. It’s 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. Veterinarians use a topical form of fentanyl, usually in patches, to treat severe pain in animals. The veterinary fentanyl patch, sold under the brand name Duragesic, is applied to an animal’s skin to provide long-lasting pain relief. Animals wearing these patches must be closely monitored and kept away from children and other pets to prevent accidental exposure.

In humans, fentanyl has become a major cause of overdose deaths. In 2023, 70% of opioid overdose deaths involved fentanyl. The drug is so potent that even tiny amounts can be fatal.

Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is a Schedule II narcotic that veterinarians prescribe for pain and cough in dogs. The drug works by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, reducing pain signals. While not specifically approved for animal use, veterinarians can prescribe it off-label when they believe it will help. Like other opioids, hydrocodone is highly addictive and dangerous when misused. People who abuse this medication face risks of respiratory depression, overdose, and death. The high potency of veterinary versions of hydrocodone makes these risks even greater.

The Link Between Dog Abuse And Veterinary Drug Addiction

One of the most disturbing aspects of veterinary drug abuse is how it can lead to animal cruelty. When people become addicted to their pet’s medications, they may harm their animals to justify getting more drugs.

Studies show that 13% of veterinarians have suspected at least one pet owner of injuring their animal or faking an illness to obtain controlled substances.

This may involve:

• deliberately injuring a pet to create a need for pain medication
• exaggerating symptoms during vet visits
• preventing an animal’s recovery so they can continue getting prescriptions
• using multiple veterinarians to get more drugs than needed

Situations such as these put innocent animals at risk and are a form of abuse that’s difficult to detect and prosecute.

Another red flag occurs when pet owners claim their animal’s medication was lost, stolen, or accidentally destroyed and ask for immediate replacements.

Signs Of Veterinary Drug Abuse

Below are some of the signs that a pet owner may be abusing their pet’s medications.

Vet Shopping

Similar to how people who abuse human medications might “doctor shop,” some pet owners visit multiple veterinarians to get more drugs than they need. They may see several different vets in a short period, travel long distances to vet clinics, or avoid using veterinarians who know their pet’s medical history.

Bringing In A Seriously Injured Animal

Sometimes, people seeking drugs will bring in animals with injuries that raise red flags for veterinary staff. This often involves new clients with no veterinary history who bring animals with severe injuries but seem unusually calm about their pet’s condition. They may be unable to explain how the injury occurred or show more interest in discussing pain medication options than in their animal’s well-being.

Requesting Early Medication Refills

People abusing their pet’s medication often run out of pills much sooner than they should and request early refills. They may claim the current medication isn’t working, and ask for stronger alternatives, or request larger quantities than needed.

Asking For Narcotic Replacements

Another red flag occurs when pet owners claim their animal’s medication was lost, stolen, or accidentally destroyed and ask for immediate replacements.

Common excuses include saying the pills were dropped down a drain, claiming the medication was stolen, insisting the pet got into the medication and consumed it all, or stating they forgot the pills somewhere and need replacements to keep their animal comfortable.

Dangers Of Veterinary Drug Abuse

Misusing veterinary medications for recreation or self-medicating purposes poses serious health risks.

Some of the dangers include:

• Overdose Risk — veterinary drugs may be more concentrated than the human version, heightening the chances of a fatal overdose
• Unknown Ingredients — animal medications may contain additives that are safe for animal consumption but harmful to humans
• Legal Consequences — holding controlled veterinary substances without a valid prescription is illegal and can result in criminal charges
• Health Issues — misusing powerful veterinary drugs can cause breathing problems, heart issues, seizures, coma, and death
• Addiction — many veterinary drugs are highly addictive, and can lead to physical dependence and dangerous withdrawal symptoms

If you or a loved one is abusing or facing addiction to a veterinary medication, contact your primary care provider for information about enrolling in a drug rehab program.

Treatment Services For Drug Addiction

Several substance use treatment centers throughout the United States can provide evidence-based services to people battling addiction.

Treatment options may include:

• medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders
• group therapy
• individual therapy
• family therapy
• counseling
• residential programs
• medical detox
• support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous
• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• outpatient programs
• relapse prevention
• case management

Recovery from prescription drug abuse is possible with the right treatment plan. Get help for yourself or a loved one today.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff