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A Cautionary Tail 🐶🐾

THC Toxicity in a dog

 
Meet Goose – a curious and active 11-month-old male Chihuahua who learned the hard way how sick accidental consumption of THC containing products can make a dog 🤢 Goose’s family has generously agreed to share Goose’s story in the hope it may help another pet and their family avoid a similar mishap.
 
Goose recently came to Sault Ste. Marie Animal Clinic on emergency basis after he got into and ate a portion of a THC containing chocolate bar. His owners had called Smart.Vet and Pet Poison Control Hotline who recommended Goose needed to go to a veterinary hospital for supportive care.
 
On arrival, Goose was extremely disoriented and ataxic (uncoordinated – he could barely sit up let alone stand or walk). His gums were pale and he had lost control of his bladder – he was leaking urine. He was also hyper-esthetic – ie he was very sensitive and reactive to sounds or being touched.
 
Goose was placed on intravenous fluids and blood tests were performed to assess for internal organ damage. He experienced significant gastrointestinal upset and loss of control of his bladder and bowels – this poor little guy was feeling miserable! 😢
 
The good news is, Goose did recover fully after a couple of days in hospital, and he is not expected to suffer any long-term adverse effects from his misadventure. It was however, a very unpleasant experience for both he and his family (not to mention the unexpected costs involved!) so his family has agreed to share his story as a cautionary tale.
 
We are seeing more and more cases of dogs who have gotten into THC containing products – either in the form marijuana buds/joints or ‘edibles’. Edibles often have the added attraction for dogs of containing chocolate (and risk – Chocolate is toxic to dogs!) With straight THC containing products dogs can experience anything from mild disorientation and incoordination – to more severe signs such as Goose experienced. Chocolate toxicity can also cause gastrointestinal signs, respiratory and cardiac issues and on occasion can be fatal.
 
If you think your dog may have eaten THC containing products (or other recreational drugs) contact your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control 1- (888) 426-4435 for further advice and assessment.
 
⚠️The bottom line for pet owners is when it comes to THC containing products, NEVER UNDERESTIMATE WHAT YOUR DOG CAN AND WILL GET INTO!! ⚠️
 
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