The Saskatchewan SPCA says it’s just as important to know how to treat an animal overdose as it is to understand human drug precautions.

Dr. Colleen Dell is the founder and Co-Director of the PAWsitive Connections Lab, which is leading a free naloxone training program for dog opioid overdoses.

Dell says as opioid use and prescriptions increase, there is a higher chance of dogs accidentally getting into these dangerous substances. She explains that signs your dog might have overdosed are very similar to a human overdose.

“Things like extreme lethargy, a blank stare, unconsciousness, unresponsiveness would be very obvious, pale gums.”

She adds that Prairie Harm Reduction was a pet friendly organization that allowed clients to bring their animals inside while accessing supports- breaking barriers for vulnerable pet owners. She explains that its closure means vulnerable people with pets may not have a place to access to the supports they need.

“If you wanted to go in to get support at the drop-in (centre), and you couldn’t bring your pet, then you may not go get that support. Now, a lot of places that might pick up (the slack) may not be animal friendly in that way, so that ends up being a barrier for people to access the support that they need.”

Dell explains that for many people, vulnerable or not, pets are a part of their family, or sometimes the only true companion they have. She encourages support services to consider leaving their doors open to pets, and if not, making sure they can reach the vulnerable population through the barrier.

To access the canine naloxone training head to colleendell.com.