A routine visit to a PetSmart grooming salon ended unexpectedly for Kelly Fowler and her year-old Shih Tzu-bichon mix, Teddy, who reportedly ingested THC, the psychoactive component found in marijuana.
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According to Fowler, she sensed something was wrong when Teddy was unusually lethargic after being picked up from the groomers at the PetSmart in Falls Township’s Fairless Hills section last Friday.
“When I picked him up he was not wagging his tail and seemed a bit off but I figured he was tired and thirsty,” she said in a Facebook post.
“We got home and put him down to drink and he fell to his side,” she recounted.
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The situation escalated and it prompted an emergency visit to BluePearl Pet Hospital in Middletown Township.
At the veterinary hospital, Teddy underwent urine and blood tests, which led to a diagnosis of THC ingestion, Fowler said.
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Despite an initial negative urine test for THC, which the vet noted can often yield false negatives, the Bensalem Township pet owner said.
Following the incident, Fowler sought answers from PetSmart, but claims her concerns were initially met with laughter when she contacted the store, the pet owner claimed.
However, after documents were presented, PetSmart covered the $500 vet bill, she said.
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The company told LevittownNow.com that a review of in-store video footage shows no evidence of exposure to THC during Teddy’s appointment.
“At PetSmart, the health and safety of the pets in our care is always our top priority. The products used in our salon and available in our store are pet-safe, none of which contain THC. We thoroughly reviewed this claim, including video footage from our grooming salon and store, and found no evidence whatsoever that Teddy was exposed to THC while in our care,” the PetSmart spokesperson said.
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The Facebook post from Fowler that was spread far and wide caught the attention of the Bucks County SPCA police Chief Nikki Thompson. She confirmed that an investigation is underway.
Thompson highlighted the issue of pets ingesting substances like THC, adding pet owners should be vigilant about keeping such items out of their pets’ reach.
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As for Teddy, Fowler reported that he is recovering and doing well.
For the ASPCA, Dr. Wendy Hauser offered the following information on THC ingestion by pets:
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“The THC in marijuana is toxic for pets. So, how does THC affect dogs? What about cats? THC will make your pet feel “high.” They may appear dazed, disoriented, and confused. They can have difficulty walking and maintaining their balance. Other symptoms include:
- Glassy eyes and dilated pupils
- Hyperactivity
- Vocalization
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Urinary incontinence
“THC exposure can also affect their heart rate and body temperature. In severe cases, it can cause tremors, seizures, and coma. The severity will depend on the amount of THC involved along with factors including the size of your pet.
“If you suspect your pet has been exposed to THC, you should contact your veterinarian or call the ASPCA® Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at 888-426-4435 right away. The APCC is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A consultation fee may apply.”
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