Oh no, I left the pantry open, and Bella grabbed a pear off the counter and ate it! Should I be freaking out? Is this dangerous? Do I need to call a vet? I'm not sure if dogs can even have pears! Help, please!

Hi there! First off, don’t worry too much. Pears are actually safe for dogs to eat in moderation, so it’s unlikely that Bella will have any issues from eating one. Just like how we enjoy them, they're a sweet and juicy treat for our furry friends too.

However, let’s keep an eye on her just to be sure. Here are a few things to watch:

• If Bella seems to be having any digestive upset (like vomiting or diarrhea), it should be mild and pass on its own. Just ensure she has plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated.
• If you notice any signs of choking or she has trouble breathing, or if she becomes unusually lethargic, that's when you'd want to get in touch with a vet. But these scenarios are very rare with pears.

The core and seeds of pears can be a little challenging for dogs to digest, and they contain trace amounts of cyanide, which theoretically could be harmful in large amounts. But since she just had one pear, there's no need for alarm. Just monitor her, and I'd suggest keeping the pantry closed in the future to avoid any accidental snacking from those foods that are toxic to dogs like grapes or chocolate.

In the meantime, give her a little extra love and maybe a tummy rub to distract her from any potential tummy 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.