Dogs poisoned by K2

Thursday 2 May 2013. Revelations that a dog in Southland has died and another is seriously ill as a result of eating K2, synthetic cannabis, is an alarm bell for people with pets, the New Zealand Veterinary Association’s Companion Animal Society President, Dr Catherine Watson warns.

These two cases are particularly disturbing, as the agonising and fatal consequences for the dogs were completely preventable.

Dr Watson said there is always a risk to all household pets and small children when prescription medications, recreational drugs or household poisons are accessible.

“Pets are often very small so the effects of toxins on their little bodies are compounded. Recreational drugs and prescription medicines can and do have very serious consequences, even death, for the pet involved.

“Veterinarians, like their human medical counterparts, find it extremely distressing managing completely preventable poisonings’. Dr Watson said there is an easy answer to this issue – keep all potentially fatal chemicals and drugs appropriately contained and out of reach of pets and children. And in the event an accident with drugs and poisons occurs, seek prompt treatment through your local veterinarian.

ENDS

© Scoop Media