Sickening trend: Pets getting into owners' drugs

Since marijuana has been legalized in Massachusetts, vets told Boston 25 News they're seeing pets who get into their owner's stash more often.

“Cases have definitely increased because people are more lenient before they were keeping them out of reach, out of sight, whereas now they're keeping it out in the open,” said Dr. Haley Knowlton of Dedham Veterinary Associates.

It's not just marijuana that poses a risks to pets; PETA issued a tweet in recent weeks warning pet owners of the risks household drugs pose to innocent animals.

“Dogs will probably come in having ingested some sort of medication maybe every couple of days. It's pretty common,” said Dr. Kiko Bracker, critical care specialist at MSPCA-Angell in Boston.

For ingesting marijuana, typical symptoms can range from acting lethargic, to coma and death in severe cases.

“They tend to stumble a little bit. They very often will dribble urine that's a key element for that. They just act a little bit disoriented,” said Dr. Bracker.

Owners are often embarrassed when this happens and aren't always quick to bring their pets in, which can lead to delays in treatment.

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“Certainly, a conversation needs to take place to determine if what's happening is really indeed likely from marijuana or not,” said Dr. Bracker.

Vets say dogs are especially drawn to edibles, like brownies; however, keeping drugs in a prescription bottle doesn't offer much protection either.

“Even if it’s in a pill vial, pets can chew through these. Don’t keep things on counters - pets have been known to ‘counter surf,’” said Dr. Knowlton.

“Just keep it up on a shelf, dogs will get into what we allow them to get into, whether we intend that to happen or not,” said Dr. Bracker.

They suggest, when in doubt, to bring your pet in for a closer look.

“Swallow your pride and come right in. We're not there to judge you, we're there to help the pet,” said Dr. Knowlton.

Veterinarians warn if you wait too long, your pet could be too far gone to be helped.

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