North Las Vegas Officer Saves Puppy from Fentanyl Overdose with Quick-Acting Narcan

A North Las Vegas police officer is being hailed as a hero after saving the life of a tiny puppy who nearly died from a fentanyl overdose — a heartbreaking but powerful reminder that America’s opioid epidemic is now endangering pets as well as people.

A Quick-Thinking Officer

The drama unfolded in late October 2025 when officers in North Las Vegas responded to a call about a distressed puppy believed to have inhaled fentanyl. The young dog, barely conscious and struggling to breathe, was showing clear signs of overdose when officers arrived on the scene. Without hesitation, one officer administered naloxone — the life-saving medication better known by its brand name Narcan — in an urgent attempt to counteract the drug’s deadly effects.

Within moments, the puppy’s breathing began to steady. Its heartbeat, which had slowed dangerously, began to recover. Officers immediately transported the animal into the care of local animal protection officials, who rushed it to an emergency veterinary clinic for continued treatment and observation. According to North Las Vegas Police, the fast administration of Narcan was what made the difference between life and death. The puppy’s survival stands as a rare moment of triumph amid the devastating realities of the fentanyl crisis gripping Nevada and the nation.

Fentanyl’s Expanding Reach to Man’s Best Friend

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to fifty times stronger than heroin, has been at the center of America’s overdose epidemic for years. But its reach has expanded in ways few could have predicted. More and more, police and veterinarians are encountering dogs that have accidentally inhaled or ingested traces of the drug left behind in cars, homes, and public areas. Because dogs explore the world through scent, a curious sniff of a contaminated surface or residue can be enough to trigger a toxic reaction.

Veterinary experts explain that fentanyl exposure affects dogs in ways that can look eerily similar to human overdoses — extreme drowsiness, collapse, low heart rate, and shallow breathing are among the most common signs. While dogs are slightly more resistant to respiratory failure than people, they are far from immune. In severe cases, their breathing slows to dangerous levels, body temperature drops, and consciousness fades. Symptoms can begin within fifteen minutes, leaving only a brief window for intervention.

The tragedy, veterinarians say, is that these poisonings are entirely preventable. Most occur when dogs come across fentanyl that was improperly discarded, or in homes where the drug is being used or trafficked. Even trace amounts can be lethal for smaller animals.

How Narcan Brings Dogs Back from the Brink

The officer’s decision to administer Narcan was a crucial one. The drug, which works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, is as effective in dogs as it is in humans. When given quickly, it can reverse the sedative and respiratory-depressing effects of fentanyl in minutes. Police departments across the country now carry Narcan not only for people but for their own K-9 units, as the risk to working dogs has become alarmingly common.

Veterinarians have long used naloxone in emergency settings. It can be delivered through the nose, injected into muscle, or administered intravenously, depending on how fast medical help can be reached. In some cases, multiple doses are required, as Narcan wears off before the opioid fully leaves the body. Still, when used promptly, it is extraordinarily effective. The North Las Vegas rescue adds to a growing list of cases in which pets have survived fentanyl exposure thanks to officers and veterinarians trained to act fast.

A Growing Threat to Police and Service Dogs

For police departments, the danger isn’t limited to accidental street exposures. K-9 units that assist in drug investigations face daily risks from fentanyl dust, residue, or vapors. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of working dogs collapsing during raids and requiring emergency doses of Narcan to recover. Two Clark County School District police dogs were revived after encountering the drug during a search, while similar incidents have been reported in California and Washington State.

As a result, many agencies have added new safety protocols, including specialized training for handlers and the distribution of canine-specific Narcan kits. Officers are taught to recognize the earliest warning signs of exposure — unsteady gait, drooling, and sudden lethargy — and to treat immediately before the situation becomes critical. In many departments, canine Narcan kits are now as standard as leashes and protective vests.

Protecting Pets from Fentanyl Exposure

For ordinary pet owners, the threat may seem remote — but experts warn it’s closer than most realize. Fentanyl can linger on sidewalks, in parks, or in apartment hallways where drug activity has taken place. A single lick or sniff could be enough to cause harm, particularly for small dogs or puppies. Owners are advised to keep medications securely locked away, clean up any spilled substances immediately, and remain vigilant during walks, especially in unfamiliar areas.

It’s also vital to know what an overdose looks like. If a dog suddenly becomes weak, unresponsive, or starts breathing abnormally, owners should treat it as an emergency and seek veterinary care right away. Time is critical. Even if a pet seems to recover on its own, the effects of fentanyl can return once Narcan wears off, so observation by a vet is essential. In suspected cases of poisoning, experts recommend calling the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661.