My dog Bella just chewed on my monstera plant! Should I be freaking out? Is this dangerous? Do I need to call a vet right away? She grabbed it off the counter while I was making dinner. I'm so worried!

Hey there! I totally get why you're worried — Bella chewing on your monstera is definitely not ideal, but I'm here to help you through it!

Monstera plants contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which can irritate Bella’s mouth and stomach if she nibbled on it. Symptoms to look out for include:

• Drooling
• Pawing at the mouth
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite

While these symptoms can be uncomfortable for Bella, they're usually not life-threatening in small amounts. Here’s what you can do at home:

• Rinse her mouth with water if she'll let you, to remove any plant residue.
• Encourage her to drink water to help flush out her system.
• Keep an eye on her for the next 24 hours, especially for signs of significant discomfort.

If Bella shows signs of a more severe reaction, such as persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, or excessive swelling in the mouth or throat, it's time to call the vet right away.

Mostly, it's about monitoring her and making sure she's comfortable. If at any point you feel things are getting worrisome, don't hesitate to reach out to a vet.

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.