Drugs and pets are a very bad mix

Dear Dr. Forsythe: My French Bulldog got very sick last week after some guests spilled their hashish on the floor and she got into it and licked up a little. One minute we were listening to soul music and the next minute I saw that she was acting wobbly and shaking real bad.  By the time we brought her into the vet, she was slobbering all over and acting really strange.  I always thought that if a dog got into a drug, they would get high, but I never knew they could get sick and die.  Is that true of most dogs?  Do most recreational drugs have this dangerous effect? – J.R., St. Helena

Dear J.R.: I’m afraid that dogs that ingest illicit drugs can become very sick or even die without prompt medical attention.  Hashish, which is a potent form of cannabis produced by collecting and compressing the most potent material from cannabis pants, contains very high levels of the active compound THC.  This substance, which also gets absorbed into the fat cells, has a dramatically different effect on house pets than it does on humans. They do not appear to benefit from any possible “mellow” or “euphoric” experiences but usually respond paradoxically (in an opposite and very negative way). So when the family dog breaks into the stash of ganja, Mary Jane, boom, gangster, chronic, or whatever you call it, the results for the pet are usually terrible.  Common signs include tremors, seizure, slobbering, defecating, vocalizing and eyes fluttering as if the pet is “watching a tennis game.” Some normally good-natured dogs become aggressive and bite.
If there is some good in this situation, it is that you did have the wit to get her to the veterinary hospital immediately when you realized she was really sick.  Treatments for this type of toxin include IV fluids, atropine to keep the heart from slowing to a stop, activated charcoal to help absorb any drug that is still in the intestines, and Valium to calm the nerves and “bring the dog down.” So what have we all learned here?  The next time we are hanging out with friends, keep the pets and the pot away from each other.  Good luck.
– Dr. F

Dear Dr. Forsythe: What is the best way to tell a child that you have to put a dog to sleep?  I’ve been worried this day would come for a long time.  Well it finally came the other day and I made the decision.  But I keep backing out because I don’t know what to say to my two children.  I know it will devastate them and wanted your input. – G.G., Fairfield

Dear G.G.: You didn’t mention the ages of your children, but if they are in grade school or older and old enough to understand basic concepts, I think you can be honest in developing a way of explaining the situation to them.  Let’s face it, children don’t miss much: they WILL notice the dog being gone, they probably already sense that the pet is not doing well.  Kids also see a grimace on a mother’s face, hear EVERYTHING you and your friends say to each other on the phone, in the next room, and when you’re falling asleep.
I’d recommend openly telling the children that the pet has become sick and needs to stop suffering.  Let them know that the kindest act of grace you and your family can do for your family dog is to provide comfort in letting the veterinarian put him or her to sleep.  Use your own personal beliefs about heaven, the afterlife or even “ashes to ashes” to share with your children a positive message and your love of the dog.  Remind them that their pet will stay in their memories and in their mind’s eye every time they remember a happy time.
There is a wonderful book called “Dog Heaven” by Cynthia Rylant.  You may want to get this book to read and share with your children if it upholds your personal beliefs.  Good luck with this delicate parenting task.  You owe it to the dog to do what’s best for your pet, however I know it must be heart-wrenching to imagine the pain the children will have.  This is where the power of a loving parent can work magic, and I suspect you will be working magic soon.  And have some Tootsie Rolls nearby.  My warm wishes and deep condolences to you and the children.
– Dr. F