I accidentally left the fridge open and Bella ate a bunch of cottage cheese. Should I be freaking out? Is this dangerous for her? Do I need to call a vet, or will she be okay? I'm really worried and unsure what to do next!

Hey, take a deep breath! It's understandable to worry, but Bella should be alright after her impromptu cottage cheese buffet. Let’s walk through this together.

Cottage cheese isn’t toxic to dogs, but too much dairy can upset their stomach since many dogs are lactose intolerant. Here’s what to look out for:

• Diarrhea or vomiting: These are common signs of overindulgence in dairy. If Bella shows any of these symptoms, try to keep her hydrated.
• Bloating or gas: These might make her uncomfortable but usually aren't dangerous. Just monitor her closely.
• Lethargy: She might be sleepy if she’s eaten a lot, but this should pass.

In most cases, all you need to do is watch Bella closely and make sure she has access to plenty of fresh water. Limit her food intake a bit to help her digestive system catch up.

An emergency would be anything beyond a stomach upset, like persistent vomiting or diarrhea, signs of severe pain, or any change in her breathing. If you notice these, that's when I'd recommend calling your vet.

Otherwise, give her tummy some time to settle. If you're ever unsure or Bella’s symptoms seem to be getting worse, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.