Valeria Vecchio was taking her dog Clifford for their usual stroll in a park in downtown Edmonton when she noticed a sudden change in his behavior. Clifford, a one-year-old mix of poodle and Cavalier King Charles spaniel, became lethargic, had pale gums and tongue, and started vomiting. Concerned that he might have ingested something harmful, Vecchio carried him home from Railtown Park, located just north of the High Level Bridge on 110th Street.
As Clifford’s condition worsened, Vecchio called an Uber to rush him to the vet. During the ride, she had to keep him awake, fearing he might slip into unconsciousness. At the animal hospital, the vet suspected opioid toxicity as the cause of Clifford’s symptoms. After administering naloxone, Clifford recovered fully.
Vecchio wasn’t surprised by the vet’s diagnosis, attributing it to the prevalence of open drug use in public areas in downtown Edmonton. Dr. Jami Frederick, the president of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, noted a rising trend of opioid ingestion cases in pets in the city, especially during the summer months when people are out with their pets more frequently.
Frederick recommended pet owners carry naloxone kits when out with their pets and seek immediate veterinary care if opioid toxicity is suspected. She emphasized the importance of monitoring pets even after naloxone administration as repeat doses may be necessary.
The City of Edmonton, in response to the incident, mentioned its routine maintenance practices for public areas but could not confirm if the incident was reported. Vecchio expressed her intention to be more cautious about where she walks Clifford, avoiding areas with a high risk of drug exposure. She also pledged to closely supervise Clifford’s interactions and diet, emphasizing her deep love and care for him.