Dog owners have been warned to stay vigilant after a pet reportedly ingested drugs during a walk along a beach in Devon and fell seriously ill. The owners rushed their large dog to the vet after the walk on Back Beach in Teignmouth last weekend, according to The Healthy Pet Shop, where the owners frequently shop.
Pet tests positive for cocaine and cannabis
The Healthy Pet Shop said vets believe the dog will recover because it weighs more than 30kg, but the incident could have been fatal for a smaller animal. The shop reported that the dog tested positive for cocaine and cannabis after arriving at the vets.
In a Facebook post, managers wrote: "One of our customer's dogs has been seriously ill in the vets over the weekend after becoming ill after walking on Back Beach. The dog was tested upon arriving at the vets and tested positive for cocaine and cannabis. The dog is [over] 30kg and is making a recovery but it would have killed a smaller dog (according to the vet)."
Warning to pet owners and parents
The post continued: "Please be vigilant and warn all people with animals and children. The owners say this was the only place they had walked [over the weekend]."
The RSPCA has issued advice to pet owners, urging them to contact a vet immediately if they suspect poisoning. The RSPCA said: "If you suspect your pet has been poisoned or consumed something harmful, please contact your vet straight away."
Signs of poisoning
Signs of poisoning can appear from 30 minutes after ingestion, though kidney failure signs may take two or three days. Symptoms can include vomiting, seeming depressed or sleepy, appearing drunk and uncoordinated, seizures, and difficulty breathing.
