An Austin woman says a routine walk with her puppy, Nova, ended in a $900 veterinary bill after the dog became so unwell she could no longer stand. Addison shared the experience in a TikTok video, saying, “When I realized my dog cannot stand by herself, I was like, ‘That’s not right.’”
Addison took Nova to the vet, where a urine test reportedly came back positive for THC and EDDP, a metabolite of methadone. “It tested positive for THC and EDDP,” she said.
She suspects Nova picked up something dangerous from the sidewalk during their walk. “I just wanted to take my dog on a walk, and someone is throwing their drugs on the sidewalk,” she said. Dogs can swallow all kinds of things they find on the ground, as one owner discovered when her dog chowed down on slime.
The test results left questions unanswered
The urine results do not establish what Nova ingested or how she was exposed. Addison said the vet contacted poison control for guidance before starting fluids and monitoring Nova for possible seizures. She was also asked whether the veterinary team should attempt CPR if Nova’s condition deteriorated.
The bill had reached around $900 by the time the owner shared her update. Despite the expense, she defended her decision to seek professional help rather than wait for the symptoms to pass. “I am glad I took her to the vet,” she said.
Cornell University’s veterinary college says THC exposure can cause poor coordination, lethargy, and loss of bladder control. Severe cases may lead to seizures, and treatment can include IV fluids and monitoring. Cornell advises contacting a vet promptly when exposure is suspected. Dangerous substances can turn up where dogs walk for other reasons too, as in one case where a neighbor allegedly spread mothballs to poison dogs.
Some viewers questioned how Nova could have been exposed to both substances. One commenter asked, “What kind of single dose thing has both thc and methadone?” Addison replied, “i have no clue,” adding, “maybe laced idek tbh.” The video provides no evidence to confirm that theory.
Other commenters suggested ways to stop dogs from picking up things during walks. One recommended a scavenging mask, explaining that it is “not a muzzle but stops them from being able to pick up things off the ground.” Another wrote, “Wait this is terrifying I walk my pup around atx everyday.”
Addison ended the video with a warning to people who leave drugs in public spaces. “Let this be a PSA to anyone, anywhere that is doing drugs in a park or just in public. Throw them away and don’t just leave them on the sidewalk,” she said. The video does not provide a later update on Nova’s recovery.
Published: Oct 31, 2026 09:30 am