*Kalamazoo, Mich.* — As April 20 approaches, marijuana culture's widely recognized holiday, a local emergency veterinarian is sounding the alarm about rising cases of THC exposure in pets.

Dr. Jodell Walker, medical director at Emergency Veterinary Care Centers in Kalamazoo, said she sees a steady increase in THC-related pet emergency room visits during this time of year. Warmer weather brings more outdoor activity, creating more opportunities for a pet to ingest THC inside or outside the home, according to Walker.

Common signs of THC toxicity in pets include abnormal behaviors, twitching, wobbling, dilated pupils, agitation and urine dribbling, according to the emergency veterinarian.

"Animals, especially dogs, are a lot smaller than people, most of them so the doses just aren't the same, the tolerance isn't the same, the way that they are metabolizing it isn't the same as people," Dr. Walker said.

Every dog might have unique circumstances, whether they have underlying diseases or not, Dr. Walker noted. She still thinks it's worth calling if a pet owner suspects their animal has been exposed to THC.

If a pet owner suspects an animal has been exposed to THC, Walker suggests a visit to the emergency room for supportive care. She also emphasized the importance of keeping all drugs in a secure place, out of reach of animals.

The warning comes as pet owners across Kalamazoo County prepare to mark the holiday. Walker's advice: keep medications and cannabis products locked away and out of curious paws.