Dog Dies, Another Hospitalized After Meth Exposure at Ocean Beach

17 hours ago 3

Dog Beach Tragedy: Two San Diego Dogs Exposed to Meth, One Dies

A heartbreaking incident at Dog Beach in Ocean Beach, San Diego, has left pet owners devastated after two dogs were exposed to methamphetamine. One of them survived with treatment, while the other tragically did not.

Mark Smith brought his one-and-a-half-year-old dog, Trouble, to Dog Beach for a routine outing when the young pup suddenly began behaving erratically. Alarmed, Smith rushed her to ABC Veterinary Hospital in Pacific Beach. Tests revealed what no pet owner ever expects to hear: methamphetamine had entered her system.

“The doctor there had experience with similar cases,” Smith told CBS 8. “They did blood tests and confirmed what we feared.” Thankfully, with urgent care and monitoring, Trouble survived. She is now recovering at home, but her scare was a reminder of how quickly danger can strike, even in familiar places.

For another family, the outcome was devastating. Brianna Grace’s seven-year-old dog, Nala, also ingested meth at Dog Beach only hours after Trouble. Grace described how her beloved companion suddenly began running in frantic circles before collapsing. “They told me she had meth in her system and that her temperature was 107 degrees,” she said through tears. Despite emergency care, Nala did not survive.

The City of San Diego has since emphasized that incidents like these are extremely rare but urged the public to remain vigilant. In a statement, ABC Veterinary Hospital reminded pet owners of the importance of training dogs not to pick up unknown objects off the ground and to stay alert in public areas.

The San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) also issued critical safety guidance, warning that meth ingestion symptoms can appear within 30 minutes to several hours. Signs include:

Restlessness and severe agitation
Tremors and dilated pupils
Vomiting and excessive panting
Rapid heartbeat
Critically high body temperature

If owners suspect meth or toxin ingestion, SDHS advises:

Call an emergency vet or pet poison control immediately.
Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed.
Avoid home remedies like milk or oil.
Move the dog to a cool, quiet area while arranging transport.
Bring any suspected substance along to the clinic.

The man's behavior shows the connection between animal abuse and other types of cruelty. He's already been jailed in the past for his violent history, but that obviously didn't address his underlying motivations for this kind of assault.

Trouble’s survival provides hope, but Nala’s tragic death underscores the very real risks that can lurk even in cherished community spaces. Pet owners across San Diego are now sharing the warning on social media, urging others to stay vigilant and act fast at the first sign of unusual behavior.