Bodzilla
May 15th, 2008, 08:09 AM
JUNKIE DOGS CHASING A HIGH
18.2.2005. 16:46:51
Dogs in Australia's Northern Territory are becoming addicted to a
hallucinogenic cane toad poison, according to local vets.
Desperate for a canine high, dogs have been seen licking the backs of cane
toads for a poison secreted from glands.
Megan Pickering, a veterinarian in the town of Katherine, claims to have
seen many cases of dogs affected by the deadly toad poison.
"There seems to be dogs that are licking the toxin to get high," she told
the local newspaper.
"They lick the toads and only take in a small amount of the poison - they
get a smile on their face and look like they are going to wander off into
the sunset."
She said she has recently treated dozens of dogs suffering from the effects
of bufo toxin.
Ms Pickering said she believes some of the dogs are becoming addicted as she
has seen some "going back to have a second go".
"It seems some of them have tasted it in small doses but there are others
that have had more toxin and come in fully-fitting."
"But (despite this) they go on to do it again and again - they seem to have
worked it out."
Evidence of 'tripping' dogs includes fitting, running in circles, with
bright red gums and/or frothing at the mouth.
Wildlife officers have advised owners to wash their pet's mouth out with
water as quickly as possible.
They say they get more inquiries about safeguarding pets from the toad than
on any other aspect.
Owners are advised to keep dogs and cats inside at night, warn and train
them against tackling toads, and keep toads out of the yard.
Awesome.
18.2.2005. 16:46:51
Dogs in Australia's Northern Territory are becoming addicted to a
hallucinogenic cane toad poison, according to local vets.
Desperate for a canine high, dogs have been seen licking the backs of cane
toads for a poison secreted from glands.
Megan Pickering, a veterinarian in the town of Katherine, claims to have
seen many cases of dogs affected by the deadly toad poison.
"There seems to be dogs that are licking the toxin to get high," she told
the local newspaper.
"They lick the toads and only take in a small amount of the poison - they
get a smile on their face and look like they are going to wander off into
the sunset."
She said she has recently treated dozens of dogs suffering from the effects
of bufo toxin.
Ms Pickering said she believes some of the dogs are becoming addicted as she
has seen some "going back to have a second go".
"It seems some of them have tasted it in small doses but there are others
that have had more toxin and come in fully-fitting."
"But (despite this) they go on to do it again and again - they seem to have
worked it out."
Evidence of 'tripping' dogs includes fitting, running in circles, with
bright red gums and/or frothing at the mouth.
Wildlife officers have advised owners to wash their pet's mouth out with
water as quickly as possible.
They say they get more inquiries about safeguarding pets from the toad than
on any other aspect.
Owners are advised to keep dogs and cats inside at night, warn and train
them against tackling toads, and keep toads out of the yard.
Awesome.