just got home from the dog park and found my dog, baxter, devouring a pear he stole from the counter. my partner says it's fine, but now baxter's looking at me like i'm the bad guy. can dogs even eat pears, or are we about to have a poopageddon?

Hey there! No need to worry too much about Baxter's pear escapade. Pears are actually safe for dogs to eat in moderation. However, since Baxter helped himself to a potentially large piece, there are a few things you might want to keep an eye on.

Most dogs digest pears without any problem, but watch out for:

• Upset stomach or diarrhea (small chance)
• Vomiting
• Bloating or discomfort
• If Baxter starts to show any difficulty breathing or signs of choking, that's an immediate concern due to choking hazards (this is rare with pears but worth a watch).

What you can do at home:

• Make sure Baxter has plenty of fresh water available. This will help dilute anything in his tummy and keep him hydrated.
• Monitor him for any signs of discomfort or unusual behavior over the next 24 hours.
• Avoid giving him any more treats today to help his stomach settle.

If Baxter shows severe vomiting, diarrhea lasting more than a day, or any signs of choking, that would be a good reason to give the vet a call.

For now, you can give him a little pat and let him know he's not in trouble. Just keep an eye on him for any signs mentioned above and let him take the lead on his bathroom outings to see if he has any digestive upset.

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.