One Dog Has Died, Another Ill Following Exposure to Meth at OB’s Dog Beach

By Steffi Roche / CBS8 / October 14, 2025

Some San Diego dog owners are reporting that their dogs became ill and, in one case, died after being exposed to methamphetamine at Dog Beach in Ocean Beach.

One owner, Mark Smith, brought his one-and-a-half-year-old dog “Trouble” to Dog Beach last Wednesday. After “Trouble” ran around and played, Smith said he noticed she was behaving abnormally.

Smith told CBS 8 he took her to a veterinarian at ABC Veterinary Hospital in Pacific Beach, who, he says, informed him the dog had meth in her system.

“The doctor there had some experience. She was a vet in Colorado. [A] Dog there had ingested some meth. We were kind of thinking that drugs were involved because she was acting so weird. They did a bunch of tests… blood tests. About $500 later, they felt she was ok to go home.”

Due to privacy laws, ABC Veterinary Hospital was not able to share specific details about the incident, but confirmed that the pet is receiving appropriate medical care and is recovering.

Another dog owner, Brianna Grace, shared with CBS 8 that her seven-year-old dog, “Nala,” also ingested meth at Dog Beach last Wednesday.

“She was running around exploring… the dunes a little bit… she was fishing in the river… When it was time to go, about 45 minutes after I got there, she started wigging out… sprinting in circles around me for like, probably 40 minutes,” Grace said.

Grace told CBS 8 she took “Nala” to a veterinary clinic.

“They told me she had meth in her system. And that her temperature was 107,” Grace said. But sadly, “Nala” didn’t make it.

“It honestly doesn’t feel real. But I’m willing to speak about this to let other pet owners know to be careful with their animals here,” Grace said.

The City of San Diego told CBS 8 that reports like these are uncommon.

Meanwhile, ABC Veterinary Hospital is reminding pet owners to stay vigilant while walking their pets in public areas, as exposure to harmful substances can happen unexpectedly.

“…We also encourage owners to practice training that discourages pets from picking up or ingesting unknown items from the ground,” the veterinary hospital said in a statement. “Our team remains committed to the health and safety of all animals in our community and appreciates everyone’s efforts to keep local beaches and parks safe for pets and people alike. Please be sure to seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet begins to display any worrisome symptoms.”

The San Diego Humane Society also advises that symptoms of meth ingestion can appear within 30 minutes to a few hours after ingestion.

If you suspect your dog ingested methamphetamine, SDHS advises:

Call an emergency veterinarian or pet poison control immediately.
Contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital or a pet poison control hotline right away. Be prepared to share:Your dog’s weight
Approximate amount ingested
Time of ingestion
Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.
Inducing vomiting can cause serious complications, such as seizures. Call a vet first and get to an emergency hospital immediately — the veterinary team will determine if inducing vomiting is appropriate.
Do not give home remedies.
Avoid giving milk, oils, or any other substances, as these can worsen your dog’s condition.
Keep your dog calm.
Move your dog to a quiet, cool area away from light, noise and stimulation while you prepare to transport them.
Secure any remaining substance.
If possible, safely collect any remaining material or packaging and bring it with you to the veterinary clinic.
Transport your dog without delay.
Take your dog to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic right away. Call ahead to alert them you are on your way with a possible meth ingestion case.
Symptoms of methamphetamine ingestion
Symptoms can appear within 30 minutes to a few hours and vary depending on how much was ingested.
Neurological signs:
Severe agitation or hyperactivity
Restlessness or pacing
Tremors, muscle twitching, or seizures
Disorientation, circling, or aggression
Dilated pupils
Cardiovascular signs:
Rapid or elevated heart rate (tachycardia)
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Other physical signs:
Excessive panting or rapid breathing
Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Increased body temperature (hyperthermia)
Drooling

Meanwhile, CBS 8 did reach out via email and phone to “Trouble’s” veterinary clinic to get more information, but did not hear back.