I'm curious about giving my dog tomatoes as a snack. Is it safe for them to eat? I've heard mixed things about it, and I don't want to accidentally make him sick. Any advice or personal experiences would be super helpful!

Hey there! It's great that you're checking in to make sure you're keeping your pup safe and healthy. When it comes to tomatoes, the good news is that ripe tomatoes are generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts, and many dogs enjoy them as a snack!

However, there are a few things to be careful about:

• Unripe tomatoes and tomato plants contain a substance called solanine, which can be toxic to dogs in large amounts. So, stick to ripe red ones and avoid allowing your dog access to your garden if you’re growing tomatoes.
• Keep an eye out for signs of digestive upset. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, or any unusual lethargy. If your dog eats a lot of tomatoes or shows any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to monitor them closely.
• If you notice severe symptoms like persistent vomiting or diarrhea, weakness, or difficulty breathing, these could be signs of something more serious, and you should contact a vet immediately.

At home, if your dog has only eaten a small, ripe tomato and seems fine, there's likely no need to worry. You can make sure they've got plenty of fresh water available and keep an eye on them over the next few hours.

When in doubt, it's always safer to get a vet's opinion. Please reach out if the symptoms change or if your pup has gotten into a larger amount of the wrong part of the plant.

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.