‘Pot dogs’ a growing concern for pet owners

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There’s a new drug crisis on Cape Cod and the Islands, and its victims may come as a surprise.

“He was so stoned, it was terrible,” said Linda McCann, of Orleans, about 12-year-old Brahms.

Brahms is a minipoodle.

As marijuana dispensaries open throughout Massachusetts following legalization of recreational and medical pot in the state, veterinarians are responding to an increased caseload of emergencies involving dogs sickened by cannabis toxicity.

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“It’s a rare day that we don’t have a ‘pot dog’ hospitalized in the ICU in Buzzards Bay,” said Dr. Louisa Rahilly, medical director of Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists, which has hospitals in Buzzards Bay and Dennis. “I’m increasingly angry,” she said.

Dr. Kirsten Sauter, owner of My Pet’s Vet in Vineyard Haven, has seen five cases in the past few months at her practice.

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