A WOMAN in Rhyl has issued a warning to fellow dog owners after her own pet suffered from suspected cannabis poisoning.

Sue Logan used to go to Brickfield Pond, near the centre of the town, every day with her dogs, and litter-pick while she was there. 

But on July 21 at about 2.30pm, her dog, Paco, ate what she suspected was cannabis at the site, and was rushed to the vets later that day.

Paco, a rescued Golden Retriever from Romania, appeared to be “hallucinating” after the incident, Sue added.

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She said: “The vet was amazing. He said Brickfield Pond is rife with cannabis and people dealing, and if someone comes along, they throw things into bushes. 

“We thought we had pulled our dog away in time, but he obviously ate some (cannabis). 

“He was starving and very thin (afterwards). Although he is back up to normal weight now, he is always looking for food.

“The vet said that cannabis poisoning is the most common form of poisoning in pets at the moment. 

“My dog is better now, thank God, but he was very ill, hallucinating and staggering around - not to mention the cost of the treatment, which was £89.”

Asked what led her to believe that her dog was hallucinating, Sue said that, when she went to stroke him, he “jerked his head away” and was “very wide-eyed”. 

Paco was also “staggering and vomiting” after the incident, she added.

Though she did not report the matter to police or RSPCA, she urged more decisive action to be taken at Brickfield Pond, despite saying she herself won’t be returning there.

Sue added: “Unfortunately, we won't be going to Brickfield Pond again now. This is a shame because we had made friends there, both with other dog walkers and with their dogs. 

“The police need to do something about this, and notices should be put up warning people of the dangers there.

“The vet was 100 per cent sure that it was cannabis that my dog ate. He gave Paco steroid and diazepam injections.”

The signs of poisoning in animals can include one or several of the following symptoms:

•  Vomiting.

•  Seeming depressed or sleepy.

•  Appearing drunk and uncoordinated.

•  Seizures.

•  Difficulty breathing.

These can usually be noticeable from 30 minutes after an animal has ingested a chemical, though it can be two or three days before signs of kidney failure are seen.

A RSPCA spokesperson said: “We are always very concerned to hear about poisoning in pets, and would urge anyone with any information relating to poisoning to contact us on 0300 1234 999.

“Many different substances can poison pets so it is beneficial for pet owners to be aware of the signs of poisoning so they can ensure they take their animals to a vet immediately.

“It is always difficult to determine if cases are accidental incidents or deliberate, however poisoning an animal deliberately is a criminal offence and, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the maximum penalty for those found guilty of this offence is up to six months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

“If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned you must take it to a vet immediately. If possible, you should take a sample of what they have eaten/drunk, or the container.”