Curious Dog Survives 17 Minutes of Cardiac Arrest After Ingesting Human Medications

Nelly, a 7-year-old dog, ingested three months' worth of three separate human medicines, leading to a life-threatening medical emergency.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:39pm

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A 7-year-old dog named Nelly from Portland, Oregon, ingested a dangerous cocktail of three different human medications that she found in her owner's nightstand. After Nelly's heart stopped, the staff at DoveLewis 24/7 Animal Hospital performed CPR for 17 minutes before reviving her. Nelly survived the ordeal but required intensive care to address the medication ingestion and cardiac arrest.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of keeping all medications securely stored away from curious pets. Dogs like Nelly can easily access and ingest dangerous substances, putting their lives at risk. The quick actions of the veterinary staff at DoveLewis saved Nelly's life, but not all pets may be as fortunate.

The details

Nelly ingested three months' worth of three separate human medications - Lamictal, Remeron, and Auvelity - that she found in her owner's nightstand. The Lamictal was the most concerning, as Nelly had ingested nearly seven times the reported fatal dose. After Nelly was rushed to the animal hospital, her heart stopped, and the emergency team immediately began CPR. They were able to revive Nelly after 17 minutes of tireless efforts.

  • On December 15, Nelly ingested the human medications from her owner's nightstand.
  • Nelly's heart stopped shortly after she arrived at the DoveLewis 24/7 Animal Hospital.

The players

Nelly

A 7-year-old dog from Portland, Oregon, who ingested a dangerous cocktail of human medications.

Dr. Julia Supino

One of the doctors who treated Nelly at the DoveLewis 24/7 Animal Hospital.

DoveLewis 24/7 Animal Hospital

The veterinary hospital in Portland, Oregon, where Nelly was treated.

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What they’re saying

“Those 17 minutes were the longest of my career, but no one ever gave up.”

— Dr. Julia Supino, Veterinarian

“When Nelly was revived, I felt an incredible rush of relief and pride. My team had worked tirelessly for all 17 minutes of her cardiac arrest, and we all cheered, with a few of us even shedding tears.”

— Dr. Julia Supino, Veterinarian

What’s next

Nelly's owners will continue to monitor her recovery and ensure that all medications are securely stored away from her reach.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder for pet owners to be vigilant about keeping all potentially harmful substances, including human medications, completely out of reach of curious pets. Quick action and skilled medical care can save a pet's life, but prevention is the best approach to avoid such emergencies.