4 Dogs Swallow Huge Amounts Of Marijuana, Get High; APL To The Rescue

Four dogs who were rescued by the Portage Animal Protective League in Portage County, Ohio, had ingested large amounts of marijuana.

Following a drug raid at a home in Shalersville, Ohio, earlier this month, authorities rescued four dogs that smelled of marijuana, WKBN reported. The dogs were found wobbling and acting strangely, and it was discovered that they had remnants of the drug in their mouths and feces, according to APL executive director Chalan Lowry.

The APL immediately rushed the animals to a veterinarian, where they were given high-fiber foods and fluids. According to the APL director, the dogs were put up for adoption Saturday.

“I would say in 20 years of being in animal welfare, we’ve never taken in dogs, in any of my positions, that have come from a drug raid where the animals have actually ingested the drugs,” said Lowry.

Despite the abuse and traumatic experience that the dogs have been through, the four remain friendly, the executive director added. Those who wish to give the pets another chance at life by welcoming them into their homes can learn more by visiting Portage APL's site.

With marijuana being legal in many states, experts have warned that the drug could have dangerous effects when ingested by pets. According to Eglington-Hwy 10 Veterinary Clinic, dogs that ingest marijuana may experience depression, tremors, loss of coordination, vomiting and increased urination.

Moreover, an antidote to treat marijuana ingestion has not been developed, which means treatment for dogs only consists of symptom management. Experts strongly advise pet owners to contact a veterinarian right away to ensure that their pet's health isn't at risk due to the drug.

Since marijuana is still illegal in some places, some pet owners may try to avoid bringing their dogs to the vet for fear of facing legal consequences. In such cases, Dr. Carly Fox, a staff doctor at Animal Medical Center's emergency and critical care service in New York City, assured owners that legal consequences very seldom occur.

“I've seen hundreds and hundreds of cases and not one has ever gone in a legal direction, ever,” Fox told PetMD. “Our biggest concern as veterinarians is treating the dog.”