RSPCA warning after discarded joints and gummies blamed for rise in dogs poisoned by cannabis

The RSPCA has warned dog owners to take their pups to the vets immediately if they've been poisoned by cannabis after a rise in cases. Discarded joints and gummies were blamed for a spike in dogs being poisoned by the Class-B drug.

More than 450 dogs were treated for cannabis poisoning in the UK over the past four years, according to new figures from Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS). Though the actual figure was likely higher due to incidents going unreported.

VPIS said the UK saw 119 incidents of poisoning in 2023 - up 82 cases on the previous year. Sweets infused with cannabis - known as gummies - were thought to be the cause of around one in seven cases.

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Gummies are popular with teenagers and bought online. Issuing a warning to dog owners, the RSCPA told MailOnline: "Dogs can be very motivated to eat food they find on the ground.

"The dangers of a dog consuming cannabis include over-stimulation and high temperature. They may require intravenous fluids. It is vital the dog is taken to a vet immediately."

Nicola Robinson of VPIS added: "Not all animal poisoning cases are reported to us. So these are not a completely accurate representation of numbers."

Dogs consuming cannabis might leave their owners with a hefty vet bill. MailOnline reported that a couple were charged £800 after their six-month-old puppy became unsteady after eating cannabis found near their West Sussex home.

Their dog, Charlie, was rushed to an emergency vets and kept in overnight. Thankfully, he made a full recovery.