THC Danger in the Dog Park: Hidden Risk for Chestermere Pets

As warmer days approach and Chestermere’s dog parks fill with puppies, families, and long evening walks, local veterinarians are warning about a hidden hazard turning up with increasing frequency: discarded cannabis butts and edible remnants left behind in public spaces.
We are not a condemning of cannabis use. Cannabis is legal in Canada, and many residents consume it responsibly. What veterinarians, pet owners, and animal advocates are raising concern about is reckless disposal — the equivalent of tossing a cigarette butt on the ground, but with far more dangerous consequences for dogs.
“Dogs don’t know what they’re picking up,” says a veterinarian at a Chestermere-area clinic that carries THC testing kits, something still uncommon at many practices. “A joint butt smells organic, interesting, even food-like to a puppy. It doesn’t take much THC to cause serious toxicity.”
A Growing Problem in Public Spaces
Veterinary clinics across Alberta report that cannabis exposure in dogs is becoming more common, particularly since legalization increased both availability and social use. Dogs are most often exposed by ingesting discarded joint butts, plant material, or food scraps from edibles dropped in parks, pathways, and off-leash areas.
Puppies are especially at risk. Like toddlers, they explore the world with their mouths, grabbing whatever they can find. In busy community dog parks, where people may sit on benches or wander paths while smoking, improperly discarded “reefers” can easily end up hidden in grass or gravel.
Once ingested, THC affects dogs far more severely than humans. Dogs have a higher concentration of cannabinoid receptors in their brains, making them extremely sensitive. Symptoms can include severe lethargy, disorientation, vomiting, tremors, urinary incontinence, seizures, and in rare cases, coma or death.
“There is no safe amount of THC for dogs,” the veterinarian emphasized.
A Local Wake-Up Call
One Chestermere family experienced the danger firsthand when their eight-month-old puppy, leashed in the city’s main off-leash park, suddenly became ill and had to be rushed to an emergency vet. The suspected cause was THC ingestion from park litter. Fortunately, the dose was not fatal, and the dog recovered — but the outcome could have been far worse.
Veterinarians say timing is critical. Early treatment often prevents long-term damage, while delayed care can lead to kidney or liver stress, prolonged neurological symptoms, or dehydration from repeated vomiting.
“These cases are terrifying for owners because the dog looks profoundly unwell,” one vet said. “People often don’t realize what’s happened until symptoms escalate.”
Responsibility in Shared Spaces
This issue is not about personal choice or legality. It is about shared responsibility.
Just as most people understand that cigarette butts don’t belong on playgrounds or walking paths, cannabis waste should never be left where animals or children can encounter it. Joint filters, roaches, and edible packaging are not harmless litter — they are toxic hazards for pets.
Veterinarians stress that second-hand cannabis smoke can also affect dogs, particularly in enclosed spaces, though ingestion remains the most common cause of poisoning.
What Can Be Done
Pet owners are encouraged to stay vigilant, especially during summer months:
Watch dogs closely in parks and keep puppies on a leash
Avoid allowing dogs to sniff or chew found objects
Seek veterinary care immediately if symptoms appear
For cannabis users, the message is simple and reasonable:
Dispose of cannabis products properly.
Never drop joint butts or edible scraps in public areas.
Use sealed containers and designated disposal points.
Chestermere prides itself on being a community that looks out for one another. Protecting pets from preventable harm is part of that shared ethic.
“This isn’t about judgment,” the veterinarian said. “It’s about awareness. A little care from everyone can prevent a lot of suffering.”
As warmer weather draws more people — and paws — outdoors, that awareness may be the difference between a routine park visit and an emergency trip to the vet.