‘Stoner Dogs’ Are On The Rise In Colorado


“Stoner dogs” are quickly becoming a problem in the state of Colorado, according to CBS Denver. Thanks to the popularity of medical marijuana among those who live in the area, some household dogs are getting high off their owner’s supply. Unfortunately for these canine companions, marijuana doesn’t have the same effect on dogs as it does their human counterparts.

“They basically have lost a lot of their fine motor control, they have a wide-based stance and they are not sure on their feet,” veterinarian Dr. Debbie Van Pelt explained. “There are huge spikes in the frequency of marijuana ingestion in places where it’s become legal.”

Since more people have medical marijuana in their possession than ever before, the chance that these so-called “stoner dogs” could get into their owner’s stash and consume the plant has significantly increased. In one particular case, two canines died after chowing down on some baked good created using someone’s weed.

According to The Huffington Post, veterinarian Dr. Stacy Meola helped put the recent study together. Although it may seem like she has a bone to pick with those who use medical marijuana on a regular basis, Meloa is more concerned with the well-being of the stoner dogs than anything else.

“I just want dogs, kids to be safe. It needs to be treated like any other drug. If you came home with a prescription of vicodin from your doctor you wouldn’t just leave it sitting there,” she explained.

Making sure your four-legged friend stays out of your supply of marijuana is extremely important. As Dr. Barchas points out, weed consumption by household pets can have serious consequences:

“Serious long-term health consequences and fatality from marijuana intoxication are essentially unheard of. However, pets that are exposed to marijuana may display anxiety and disorientation, and are prone to ‘bad trips’. Intoxicated pets may lack the coordination necessary to consume food and water.”

“Intoxication with marijuana appears clinically similar to other, more serious forms of poisoning. However, most animals recover from marijuana toxicity over a period of several hours.”

Although the idea of introducing pot to your stoner dog wannabe may sound like an incredible idea, you may ultimately put your best friend in harm’s way by doing so.

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