Woman claims her dog came back from PetSmart High, but investigation finds no evidence

A woman from Pennsylvania took her dog to PetSmart for grooming and claimed that when the dog returned, it was found to have high levels of THC. However, an investigation into the matter found no trace of THC in the dog’s system and the pet store chain was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Concerned dog owner Kelly Fowler said when she picked up her dog Teddy from PetSmart in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania on May 31, he was lethargic and kept falling over. He had been there for four hours.

“He’s always well behaved,” Fowler told Action News. “This was not normal behavior for him, and the vet said that if he has THC in his system and he reacts like this, it’s only after 30 to 90 minutes that he can react like this.”

According to a veterinarian’s report, the eight-pound dog’s urine was tested and the result was negative for THC. However, it is claimed that there is a high rate of false negative results in tests performed on pets.

There was footage, and the dog was not observed eating anything edible. The store’s corporate spokeswoman told Action News that after reviewing video footage from the grooming salon and the store, there was “no evidence whatsoever” that Teddy was exposed to THC while in PetSmart’s care. There are certainly other factors that could be causing the dog to exhibit odd behavior.

The local branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Bucks County SPCA, found no evidence of THC in the dog’s system and closed the investigation. After the SPCA closed the investigation, the woman issued a statement on Thursday.

“This is the last post I will make about my puppy,” the woman’s statement reads. The SPCA found no evidence on the video. And I’m being called a liar all over the internet. Bottom line, I will never know what really happened to him and I know it happened there. He was fine in the morning and was there so long and half asleep that he fell over when I picked him up. So many people have messaged me at Petsmart about similar situations with their pets, even former employees! They “never find evidence” in these cases. My life lesson is to never look for help on social media! People are so quick to put you down! I just wanted to know what happened! I’m so thankful he made a full recovery! To all the positive people, I’m truly blessed that you all supported me! We are good people and I would never make anything up. They paid the vet bill and I’m still waiting for reimbursement for the grooming appointment.”

PetSmart’s groomers have been accused of misconduct several times in the past.

If you suspect your dog has eaten food containing THC, dog owners should contact a veterinarian or animal poison control center immediately. If possible, dog owners should provide details of the incident, including the type of food, the amount consumed, the THC content (if known), and any symptoms.

THC is generally considered toxic to dogs. Concentrates are a bigger problem as they can contain up to 90% THC.

CBD, not THC, can help dogs

THC poisoning is usually reported when a dog accidentally eats a THC-infused food or oil. Most veterinarians and professionals advise pets against THC-containing products. However, CBD is a different story.

For example, one study found that CBD can help dogs with travel anxiety. According to a recent study, dogs given a daily dose of CBD showed “significant reductions” in stress and anxiety associated with car journeys. Scientists at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in the UK studied both the behavioral and physiological stress response in dogs given CBD (THC-free cannabis) and a placebo group that did not consume CBD. They examined the dogs before, during and after car journeys. For the study, the researchers collaborated with pet food and veterinary company Mars Petcare.

Twenty dogs participated in the study. And these weren’t dogs who jump at any opportunity to stick their heads out the window of a car and eagerly stick their tongues out in the wind. To qualify, they showed all the symptoms of anxiety and stress related to car rides. But when they were given CBD, in this case two hours before the required ride, all of the dogs given CBD showed “significant improvements” during the 24 weeks the study lasted.

Knowledge is power and keeping THC away from pets is just as important as keeping it away from children.