A dog was treated for alcohol withdrawal at a U.K. shelter.
Woodside Animal Welfare Trust took to Facebook to share the story of a Labrador mix named Coco who was brought to the organization after his owner died, alongside another dog who belonged to the same owner.
The Plymouth, England-based shelter wrote that both dogs were “unwell.”
“After arriving with his canine pal following the death of his owner, he and his companion became quickly unwell,” the shelter wrote on Facebook. “Coco’s friend was repeatedly fitting, and soon after, Coco also started to fit. Thankfully a vet was on site at the time and was able to administer emergency care, but sadly Coco’s friend passed away despite our best efforts.”
Coco, who is 2 years old, still continued to be sick, necessitating “round-the-clock care,” the organization added. “It became clear that he was suffering from symptoms that all pointed to alcohol withdrawal. He spent four weeks sedated to help with his withdrawal symptoms and to reduce the risk of further fits. We are so thankful that we are now out of danger, and Coco is off all medication and is now starting to behave like a normal dog.”
It was the Woodside Animal Welfare Trust’s first time treating a dog for alcohol withdrawal.
“Coco continued to be seriously unwell and required round-the-clock care,” the post continued. “It became clear that he was suffering from symptoms that all pointed to alcohol withdrawal. He spent four weeks sedated to help with his withdrawal symptoms and to reduce the risk of further fits. We are so thankful that we are now out of danger, and Coco is off all medication and is now starting to behave like a normal dog.”
While Coco is now physically well, his mental health is still on the mend—meaning he’s not up for adoption just yet. “No one knows the specifics on how these dogs got into the situation with alcohol, but we do know that without our care, Coco would likely have not survived this heartbreaking ordeal,” the U.K. organization wrote.
The Woodside Animal Welfare Trust specializes in taking in domestic poets and “tame” farm animals, according to its website. “Woodside will always try its best to ensure that all pets find appropriate, loving homes. However, due to age or illness, some will never be selected and remain as much-loved residents. We are now one of the few charities in the area that does so,” the sanctuary added on its site.
