A dog owner is issuing a warning after alleging that his pet was hospitalized due to ingesting cannabis during a stroll.
Stephen Davidson recounted that while walking his 8-year-old West Highland terrier, Oscar, he observed the dog starting to behave unusually.
Davidson reported that just a few hours after their walk in Sheerness, Kent, England, Oscar became sluggish and refused to drink water, as stated by SWNS.
TEXAS SHELTER DOG BECOMES IMPRESSIVE POLICE K-9 AS HE COMBATS FENTANYL CRISIS
Upon taking Oscar to an emergency veterinarian, the staff confirmed he had ingested marijuana, according to the British news agency.
Stephen Davidson and Oscar (shown here) were walking in Kent, England, when Oscar accidentally ingested cannabis, per SWNS. (SWNS)
“They inserted something down his throat to check for immediate gagging, but there was a delay,” Davidson shared with SWNS. “That’s when they informed us he had been drugged.”
TEXAS K-9 RETIRED AFTER NEARLY A DECADE OF SERVICE, RECEIVES HEARTFELT ‘THANK YOU’ FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT
According to PetMD, symptoms of pet drug poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, abdominal discomfort, decreased appetite, drooling, lack of coordination, and bloody urine.
Oscar was monitored at the emergency vet for the night while receiving IV hydration and activated charcoal, with Davidson noting that his dog could have “easily died” from dehydration, as reported by SWNS.
Oscar was taken to an emergency vet for treatment following his cannabis ingestion. (SWNS)
Davidson revealed he now faces nearly $1,000 in veterinary bills, which he hopes pet insurance will help cover. He is also eager to alert other pet owners about the local drug risks.
For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews/lifestyle
“The situation is alarming in this town. People smoke freely and dispose their leftovers on the ground,” he expressed to SWNS.
Davidson plans to resume their usual walking route with Oscar eventually — but not immediately.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
“I just want everyone to be extra vigilant about what their dogs might pick up and to stay informed of any dangers during walks,” he stressed.
Oscar, who resides in England with his owner, is now on the mend after accidentally ingesting marijuana on a walk, according to SWNS. (SWNS;iStock)
The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), a veterinary charity in the UK, was where Davidson turned for assistance in Oscar’s time of need.
Nina Downing, a nurse at PDSA, informed SWNS that dogs can inadvertently ingest cannabis — or any drug — while being walked in public areas.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“If you suspect your dog may have consumed cannabis, it’s advisable to have them examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible instead of waiting for visible symptoms,” she advised.
Fox News Digital has reached out to PDSA for further comment.
