Valeria Vecchio and her dog Clifford were out for their usual stroll in a park in downtown Edmonton when she noticed a change in his behavior. Clifford, a one-year-old poodle and Cavalier King Charles spaniel mix, suddenly became lethargic, had pale gums and tongue, and started vomiting. Concerned, Vecchio carried him back from Railtown Park, located near the High Level Bridge, suspecting he might have ingested something harmful.

As Clifford’s condition worsened on the way to the vet via Uber, with slow heart rate and difficulty breathing, Vecchio took urgent measures to keep him awake. At the animal hospital, the vet suggested that Clifford might have been exposed to opioids. Naloxone was administered, leading to Clifford’s full recovery.

Vecchio wasn’t surprised by the vet’s suspicion, attributing it to the prevalence of drug activity in downtown Edmonton. Dr. Jami Frederick, an emergency veterinarian and president of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, noted an increase in opioid ingestion cases among pets in the area, particularly during the summer months.

According to Frederick, her team encounters opioid toxicity in pets about once or twice a month. She recommended pet owners carry naloxone kits when out with their pets and seek immediate veterinary care if opioid ingestion is suspected. Naloxone may require multiple doses, making veterinary monitoring essential.

The City of Edmonton, in response to the incident, mentioned routine grass cleaning schedules but couldn’t confirm if the incident was reported officially. Vecchio expressed intentions to be more cautious during walks, avoiding high-risk areas for drug exposure and closely monitoring Clifford’s interactions. She emphasized the importance of her furry companion’s safety, stating, “He means the world to me; I love him.”