MASSACHUSETTS – There's an old saying: Curiosity killed the cat. But it's not too good for dogs either.

Dr. Lisa Nowicki is no stranger to treating dogs that have ingested marijuana, and since recreational facilities opened their doors in Massachusetts in 2018, it has happens more common than you might think.

"I worked emergency in Western Mass. for several years before coming to Second Chance," Nowicki said. "Yeah, it's very common to see up here. You know, it's probably something we see at least once a week."

What You Need To Know

  • Veterinarian Lisa Nowicki says dogs injesting marijuana and other THC products is very common in the state

  • Nowicki says edibles like chocolates and gummies are among the most common items dogs will eat

  • On top of THC, Nowicki says chocolate will also create a myriad of health issues for a dog

  • Nowicki says symptoms of THC ingestion include lethargy, twitches and extreme laziness

Nowicki, a veterinarian at Second Chance's Springfield location, also spent some time working in Colorado, where they, too, have legalized marijuana. She says it was also common out there. She says symptoms are pretty easy to point out in an otherwise healthy pet.

"The classic is for them to be very lethargic, maybe not wanting to get up, and urinating on themselves is actually one of he hallmark signs where they're actually having some urinary incontinence," Nowicki said.

Not once has Nowicki seen a cat ingest marijuana. She says in her experiences, it's always the pups. Sometimes, it'll be the marijuana flowers ingested, but more often than not, the dogs are eating edibles like THC-infused chocolates.

This has made the battle more difficult, because on top of THC poisoning, chocolate opens up its own world of issues.

"It can run from just G.I. irritation with vomiting and diarrhea, to potential tachycardia, to elevated heart rates," said Nowicki.

While hospitalizations are rare, she says THC poisoning is still a serious issue. If you see it happen, she recommends going to your closest emergency room as soon as possible.

"We can induce emesis, or vomiting with medication, and get the substance out before it causes a problem," said Nowicki.