My dog Bella just chewed on a hydrangea from the garden. I'm freaking out! Is this dangerous? Do I need to call a vet right away, or am I overreacting? She got to it so fast, and I’m not sure how much she ate. What do I do?

Hi there! I know it can be pretty stressful when our fur babies get into things they shouldn't. Let's take a deep breath and look at this together. Hydrangeas contain small amounts of a compound called cyanogenic glycoside, which can be mildly toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. But don't worry, there's a lot we can do to help Bella.

First, let’s keep an eye out for some symptoms that might indicate an issue:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite
• Drooling

If Bella is only showing mild symptoms like slight stomach upset, you can monitor her at home for any changes. Encourage her to drink some water to stay hydrated, which can help with any mild tummy issues.

If you see more severe signs like persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, or if she seems really off or unresponsive, these can be more serious concerns, and I'd recommend getting in touch with a vet as soon as possible.

Thankfully, most cases of hydrangea ingestion involve symptoms that aren't too severe, especially if only a small amount was eaten. But you're definitely not overreacting—it's always better to be safe and aware.

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.