My dog, Daisy, won't eat or drink and just lays there. Should I be freaking out? She grabbed something off the counter yesterday. Is this dangerous? Do I need to call a vet? I’m so worried! What should I do?

Hi there! I'm sorry to hear about Daisy, and I totally understand why you're worried. Let's work through this together. If Daisy won't eat or drink and is just lying around, it's definitely a sign that something might not be right.

First, think back to what she might have grabbed from the counter. Some foods and non-food items are more dangerous than others. Here are things to look out for:

• Chocolate: Toxic, especially dark chocolate. A small amount might cause mild symptoms, but more can be serious (like increased heart rate, seizures).
• Grapes or Raisins: Can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts.
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum): Extremely toxic, can cause insulin spikes and possibly liver failure.
• Other non-food items: If she swallowed something indigestible, like a piece of plastic, it could cause a blockage.

Now, for symptoms: it’s an emergency if she's vomiting, has diarrhea, is refusing all food and water, seems to be in pain, or has changes in breathing patterns. That’s when you should call a vet immediately.

For now, here’s what you can do at home:

• Try offering her small amounts of water. If she won't drink, carefully use a syringe to drip a little water into her mouth so she stays hydrated.
• Keep a close eye for any signs of pain or distress. That's anything from excessive panting to shaking.
• Remember to stay calm around her, as your stress can add to hers.

If she doesn't improve, or you notice more serious symptoms, or if Daisy's condition worsens, it would be wise to reach out to a vet for more guidance.

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.