Dog owners have been urged to remain alert after reports emerged of a pet falling 'seriously ill' from consuming drugs during a beach walk.
The pet's owners had to make an emergency trip to the vet following a stroll along a Devon beach last weekend, according to a pet shop where they are regular customers.
Dog tests positive for cocaine and cannabis
The Healthy Pet Shop added that vets anticipate the dog will recover due to its size - it weighs over 30kg - but the incident could have been fatal for a smaller animal. The shop revealed that a customer's dog was taken to the vets after a walk on Back Beach in Teignmouth last weekend, where it tested positive for cocaine and cannabis.
The Healthy Pet Shop issued a warning to its followers on social media, as reported by Devon Live. Managers posted on Facebook: "One of our customer's dogs has been seriously ill in the vets over the weekend after becoming ill after walking on Back Beach."
Warning to pet owners
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).
"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]."
RSPCA advice on poisoning
The RSPCA has offered advice to pet owners, recommending that if anyone suspects their pet has been poisoned or ingested something harmful, they should contact their vet immediately.
The RSPCA advised: "If you suspect your pet has been poisoned or consumed something harmful, please contact your vet straight away.
"Signs of poisoning can be seen from 30 minutes after an animal has ingested a substance, though it can be two or three days before signs of kidney failure are seen."
Symptoms of poisoning can include one, or several of the following:
- Vomiting
- Seeming depressed or sleepy
- Appearing drunk and uncoordinated
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
