just got back from the park and realized charlie snuck into the snack bag and polished off a bunch of goldfish crackers. my partner thinks it's fine, but i'm picturing a serious cheese dust situation. do i need to worry or just buy charlie his own box?

Hey there! So, Charlie decided to indulge in some Goldfish crackers, huh? While they probably get an A+ for taste in Charlie's book, these snacks aren't made with our furry family members in mind. The good news is that in most cases, Goldfish crackers aren't toxic to dogs. However, they aren't exactly a doggie diet staple either.

Here's what to keep an eye out for:

• Mild tummy upset: Watch for signs like vomiting or diarrhea. This could happen since dogs' systems aren't really built for processed snacks.
• Salt intake: Goldfish have quite a bit of salt, and too much can be a concern. Symptoms of salt poisoning to watch for include excessive thirst, urination, lethargy, or more severe neurological signs like tremors—which would be rare from a small amount of crackers but good to know.

If you see any moderate to severe symptoms, it might be time to reach out:

• Call your vet if Charlie seems very uncomfortable, if vomiting or diarrhea is persistent, and particularly if you notice any signs of salt toxicity.

For now, you can do a few things at home:

• Offer Charlie plenty of water. It helps keep him hydrated and can flush out some of the extra salt.
• Skip any more treats today and keep his regular meals simple and bland—boiled chicken and rice can help if his tummy seems off.
• Keep an eye on him for the next 24 hours just to be sure everything settles back to normal.

No need to rush out and buy Charlie his own box of Goldfish just yet, but he might appreciate some tasty dog-friendly treats instead!

If you're unsure or your pet’s symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.