Barcelona veterinarians are reporting more cases of dogs being intoxicated after accidentally ingesting drugs in city parks and recreational areas. The substances mentioned include THC and cocaine.
The issue matters for anyone walking a dog in Barcelona, especially in public green spaces used every day by local residents. Pet owners are being told to stay alert and watch what their dogs pick up from the ground.
A veterinarian said the first signs can appear within a few hours. If a dog comes back from the park with strange body movements, seems drowsy, looks uncomfortable, or falls sideways, they may suspect it has eaten something it should not have.
THC, which is found in cannabis, and cocaine can both cause serious health problems in animals. Reported symptoms can include disorientation, lethargy, seizures and heart problems.
The concern affects parks across the city, including places such as Barcelona City Council green spaces, Parc de la Ciutadella and Parc de Collserola. For local dog owners, the advice is to keep dogs on a lead in busy areas or where discarded items may be present.
If a dog shows unusual behaviour after a park visit, owners should seek immediate veterinary attention. Prompt treatment can improve the chances of recovery. For more local updates, see our Community coverage and Sport section.
Originally published by Diari Catalunya. Read the original article.
