Storm Ciril Washes Up Hashish on Marbella Beaches, Dogs Intoxicated
In a recent development, dogs in Marbella have been reported to be intoxicated by hashish that washed up on the beaches due to the passage of storm Ciril. The strong easterly storm that hit Malaga in the past few days has caused significant damage to beaches, businesses, and promenades.
Beaches Littered with Debris and Hashish
The stormy sea has deposited a large amount of rubbish on the shore, including reeds and remnants of hashish bales. These bales are typically discarded into the water by traffickers when they are discovered by authorities in their narco-boats. This week, several dogs walking on Marbella’s beaches have been intoxicated by these drugs.
Hashish Attracts Dogs, Causes Serious Symptoms
According to Borja Hoz, a local vet in Marbella and Mijas, the drug has a potent smell that attracts dogs. However, if ingested, it can lead to severe symptoms and even death. Hoz himself alerted the police about the presence of drugs on Marbella’s beaches after walking his dog in the Dunas de Artola area last Wednesday, April 6.
Dogs Admitted to Veterinary Care Due to Drug Intoxication
Despite the alert, several dogs, including an eight-month-old border collie, have been admitted to veterinary care this week due to drug intoxication. Hoz explained that symptoms usually start one or two hours after ingestion and include vomiting, shivering, and disorientation. In extreme cases, dogs may even convulse.
Immediate Treatment Critical for Intoxicated Dogs
Hoz emphasized that it is critical to administer treatment within the first hour after ingestion. In most cases, it is advisable to induce vomiting in the dog, which should be done in a clinic. An x-ray must be taken beforehand to ensure the remedy does not cause further damage to the animal. Fluid therapy treatment is also typically applied in these cases.
Other Threats to Dogs in Spain
This incident follows recent warnings about toxic caterpillars posing a mortal danger to dogs across Spain. Additionally, owning certain breeds of dogs could result in fines of over €2,700 on Spain’s Costa Blanca.
