The opioid crisis isn’t only killing tens of thousands of Americans each year, it’s claiming the lives of police dogs as well.

Canine cops use their well-honed sense of smell to search out contraband, so they often inhale drug particles. And though dogs have been doing this for decades, illegal narcotics are now much more potent than ever.

Officers can no longer risk exposure by testing drugs in the field. So, they monitor their canine partners for signs of opioid exposure after searches. These can range from drowsiness and weakness to respiratory failure and death.

Police officers can consult veterinarians remotely if opioid overdose is suspected. They can even administer the reversal drug, Narcan—the same one used in people — before they’re able to get their canine companions to an emergency veterinary clinic.