Valeria Vecchio and her canine companion Clifford were out for their usual stroll in a park in the downtown area of Edmonton when she noticed a change in his behavior. Clifford, a one-year-old poodle and Cavalier King Charles spaniel mix, suddenly refused to walk further. Vecchio observed signs of distress in Clifford, including lethargy, whitening of his gums and tongue, and vomiting. Concerned that Clifford may 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 was vigilant, ensuring Clifford stayed awake. At the veterinary hospital, the veterinarian suspected opioid toxicity as the cause of Clifford’s distress. Naloxone was promptly administered, leading to Clifford’s full recovery.
Vecchio, familiar with the prevalence of drug use in downtown Edmonton, found the vet’s diagnosis unsurprising. Dr. Jami Frederick, president of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association and an emergency veterinarian, noted an increasing occurrence of opioid ingestion cases in pets in Edmonton, especially during the summer months when people walk their pets more in public areas. Frederick advised pet owners to carry naloxone kits when out with their pets and seek immediate veterinary care if opioid toxicity is suspected.
The City of Edmonton responded that they could not confirm if the incident was reported formally, but they maintain regular debris removal schedules in public areas. Vecchio expressed her intention to be more cautious about where she walks Clifford, avoiding high-risk areas for drug exposure. She also pledged to closely monitor Clifford’s activities to prevent any future incidents.
Vecchio emphasized her love for Clifford, stating that he is her world. The incident has prompted her to reconsider the safety of their walking routes and be extra vigilant about his well-being.
