DOG walkers in the Borders have been urged to be extra vigilant after a ‘spate’ of suspected cannabis poisonings.

Cockapoo Nessie needed emergency treatment after her owner noticed she was spaced out and wobbling on her legs. 

She was taken to Galedin Vets, which has branches across the Borders including in Galashiels and Innerleithen, in Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Vet Kirsty Morrison recognised the signs of cannabis poisoning as the practice has seen several similar cases in recent months.

Galedin Vets is now warning dog owners to be extra cautious on walks and to seek immediate veterinary advice if they are concerned their pet may have eaten something it shouldn’t have.

Ms Morrison induced vomiting in Nessie and gave her activated charcoal to decrease the toxic effects of poisoning, and the three-year-old pooch then spent a night on fluids at the practice.

Nessie was able to return home the next day with owner Brenda Menzies, who lives in Tweedmouth.

Mrs Menzies said: “It was a frightening experience and really worrying as Nessie looked really poorly. It has taken her a little while to get it out of her system but she is much better in herself.

“She must have found it under the park bench and I’ve been telling other dog walkers I meet to be careful. Another lady who takes her dog into the park found some equipment used by people using cannabis.

“Nessie loves her walks and it gets me out of the house, but we are being extra cautious and I’m watching her every move.”

Tell-tale signs a dog may have eaten cannabis may include aggressive behaviour; being uncoordinated and disorientated; barking; hallucinations; and reduced heart rate.

Mrs Menzies and Nessie had taken their usual route to the beach at Spittal, cutting through a park next to the bowling club and stopping to sit on a bench. 

While Mrs Menzies chatted with friends, she noticed Nessie eating something but her pet swallowed before her owner could remove it from her mouth.

After returning home, Nessie slept for five hours without stirring and on her afternoon walk became uncoordinated, sleepy and refused her favourite treats.

Ms Morrison said: “Dogs that have eaten cannabis tend to fully recover within 24 hours but, if they have swallowed a large dose, they can show clinical signs for days.

“We have had a few cases lately and it can be distressing for owners, especially owners like Mrs Menzies who had been enjoying a walk and her dog picked up the cannabis someone had dropped and ate it. Nessie was disorientated and not aware of her surroundings. She was wobbly and her legs were sliding away from under her, and it must have been very upsetting for Mrs Menzies.

“I would urge owners to be extremely cautious on walks and to seek veterinary help if they think their pet has eaten cannabis or anything else that may be toxic.”