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WATCH: 91原创 dog owner raises alarm about cannabis hazard after misadventure in park

Five-month old pup, Dax, became ill during a weekend walk in Golden Ears Provincial Park

A walk in Golden Ears Provincial Park in Maple Ridge on this past weekend turned into a very bad day for Dax, a five-month-old Lagotto Romagnolo dog from 91原创, after he consumed some cannabis remnants.

Pet owners Valerie Ryan and Mathew Ryan had driven north from their home in 91原创鈥檚 Willowbrook neighbourhood for an outing with their dog on Saturday, March 27.

They hiked as far as the camping area at Half Moon Beach on the East Canyon Trail when Dax suddenly became ill.

A type of dog originally bred to hunt for truffles, Dax was nosing around some rocks shortly before it happened.

READ ALSO: Vets see an increasing number of dogs sickened by marijuana

鈥淲e noticed him starting to wobble,鈥 Valerie told the 91原创 Advance Times.

On the way back, Dax began to have trouble walking.

鈥淗is legs were hardly holding him up,鈥 Valerie recalled.

鈥淗e also started to become fearful of other dogs on the trail, which is not like him at all.鈥

They had to pick him up and carry him out, something Dax normally doesn鈥檛 like 鈥 another indicator that something was wrong.

His head kept wobbling on the drive home and after arriving, he wet himself.

鈥淗e鈥檇 go to scratch his head and fall over.鈥

It took seven to eight hours for him to stand up straight.

鈥淚f he had ingested more, it would have lasted way longer, so we got lucky,鈥 Valerie said.

READ ALSO: Carvolth cannabis shop approved by 91原创 Township council

She personally knows of at least three other dogs that have taken sick from consuming cannabis discards, including Dax鈥檚 brother Ollie, whose owner had to rush him to the vet for an IV and overnight stay that cost $900.

One local vet told her they are seeing as many as two cases a night of dogs suffering toxic cannabis reactions.

In response, the freelance graphic designer has created a poster to raise awareness with cannabis consumers and dog owners.

鈥淗ere鈥檚 something to bark about,鈥 it warns, and advises dog owners to beware of discarded cannabis roaches, joint butts, and edibles in public parks and on trails 鈥 warning that even 鈥渧ery small amounts of ingested cannabis can cause great harm to dogs.鈥

Her poster is available for download at .

She is planning to have some printed and laminated versions run off to put up in walking trail parking lots.

鈥淧lease, please pick up or fully incinerate your roaches, even if you鈥檙e out in the woods,鈥 Valerie urged.

As of Monday, Dax was back to normal.

鈥淗e is back to being a scoundrel,鈥 a relieved Valerie reported.

鈥淸I鈥檝e] never been so happy about him pushing boundaries and trying to steal my breakfast.鈥


Is there more to the story? Email: dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
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Dax, seen here with owner Valerie Ryan, is feeling much better after becoming sick from consuming cannabis remnants on Saturday, March 27, 2021 in Golden Ears Park near Maple Ridge (Special to 91原创 Advance Times)
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Valerie Ryan created a poster to raise awareness about the hazards for dogs from consuming cannabis remnants (Special to 91原创 Advance Times)


Dan Ferguson

About the Author: Dan Ferguson

Best recognized for my resemblance to St. Nick, I鈥檓 the guy you鈥檒l often see out at community events and happenings around town.
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