Pet Warning: Livermore Dog Sickened by Eating Marijuana During Walk

Photo: Zailey being treated at Sage Emergency Vet Center. Credit: Rachell Jachetta

--

Raschell Jachetta took her dog Zailey for a walk in Hagemann Park last week. Shortly after returning home, it was clear that something was seriously wrong.

“Thirty minutes after our walk there she collapsed and was unresponsive for the most part for 3 hours after that,” said Jachetta.

She rushed her dog to Sage Emergency Vet Center in Dublin. The vet determined that Zailey had ingested marijuana. And Zailey’s not alone. This particular clinic sees an average of three dogs per week suffering from marijuana toxicity, according to emergency vet Dr. Bob Lukas. 

“Medical marijuana being legal here, a lot of products come in edible form,” Dr. Lukas told Patch. “Dogs definitely eat the cookies, brownies and other baked goods.”

While eating marijuana is rarely fatal for dogs, Dr. Lukas says he’s seen a few “close calls.”

Jachetta reported the incident to Livermore Police. Public Information Officer Traci Rebiejo told Patch that she’s never heard of this happening in Livermore before. Her advice, “Keep your dog on a leash and don’t let them eat anything that you haven’t prepared for them.”

Dr. Lukas echoed the advice, and offered these warning signs of marijuana toxicity:

• Sudden onset sleeping
• Periods of “startle”
• Leaking urine
• Low body temperature

Jachetta reports that Zailey is fine, but it took about 24 hours for her to get over the buzz. That, and the emergency vet visit that cost $1,000.

Oh, and cat owners—you’re in the clear. Dr. Lukas says the finicky eaters turn up their noses at marijuana-laced products.

Also on Patch:

• Search for Low Gas Prices in Livermore and Nearby
• Livermore Residents Who Donate Blood Can Get a Free Tote
• Raiders, Chargers Complete Land Deal for NFL Stadium in Carson
• Young Entrepreneur Camp in Livermore
• Cornerstone Fellowship Church Thanks Police Officers
• Glazer Tops Bonilla in Senate Race