A North Hollywood couple’s routine walk turned into a terrifying ordeal after their dog tested positive for methamphetamine following a visit to North Hollywood Park.
Nikolas and Jenifer Dorhoutmees were walking their 3-year-old Australian cattle mix, Uni, through the park when the dog began behaving erratically.
“Drooling, diarrhea, all of it,” Jenifer told KTLA’s Chris Wolfe. “We checked her gums, they were white.”
As Uni’s condition worsened, the couple rushed her to a veterinarian.
While there, Jenifer recalled a similar case previously reported by the outlet in November 2025 involving another dog that had been exposed to meth in the same area. She asked staff to administer a drug test, which came back positive for methamphetamine, the station reported.
“Everybody was just shocked,” she said. “They said her temperature was 106 degrees, which — anything above that could cause brain damage, organ failure. They were working for about 45 minutes to an hour trying to get her temperature to drop.”
Uni remained under intensive care for more than a day before she was release, according to KTLA.
In the earlier case cited by the station, the affected dog showed symptoms including agitation, panting, an elevated heart rate and a 103 degree fever. Veterinarians warned that ingestion of narcotics like meth can be fatal without immediate treatment.
“Any exposure to methamphetamine is a medical emergency,” veterinarian Dr. John Tegzes told KTLA. “You want to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.”
Tegzes added that dogs exposed to the drug may display hyperactive or aggressive behavior, including rapid head movements and excessive licking.
The Dorhoutmees said they were alarmed by the presence of drugs near a park frequently used by families and children, and hope sharing their experience raises awareness.
“If even one person is just a little bit more mindful and it saves their dog from being in critical condition, this interview was worth it,” Nikolas said.
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