First Peer-Reviewed Study of Kratom Exposure in Companion Animals Documents 139 Cases Over 10 Years

Why it matters

As kratom becomes more common in U.S. households, veterinarians are seeing pets accidentally ingest it — and the clinical signs can be serious. This is the first systematic study to characterize kratom poisoning in companion animals, giving vets a research-backed foundation for diagnosis and treatment.

The big picture

Kratom exposures reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center have risen steadily since 2014, peaking around 2021-2022. Dogs account for the vast majority of cases, with 128 of 139 total exposures. As kratom products proliferate in forms like gummies, capsules, and chocolates, the risk of accidental pet ingestion grows alongside human use.

Key findings

• 139 companion animals — 128 dogs, 9 cats, 1 pig, 1 rabbit — were exposed to kratom between 2014 and 2024 per ASPCA APCC records
• Oral ingestion was the primary exposure route; doses ranged from 1.2 mg/kg to 4,775 mg/kg
• Most common signs in dogs: lethargy/sedation (36%), vocalization (20%), hypersalivation (16%)
• Most common signs in cats: lethargy, dilated pupils (mydriasis), and vocalization
• Outcomes were unknown for most animals, reflecting a key gap in veterinary follow-up data

What they say

"Veterinarians should consider kratom exposure in the differential for nonspecific lethargy, vocalization, or nausea, especially in states where kratom is legal," wrote lead author Dr. Elizabeth Maxwell, DVM, MS, DACVS, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

Bottom line

Kratom poisoning in pets is rising and largely underreported — veterinarians need to know the signs, especially as state-level bans push users toward hoarding products at home.