I left the lasagna on the counter and Bella ate a big piece! Should I be freaking out? Do I need to call a vet? I'm worried it could be dangerous for her. What should I do now?

Hey there! First off, take a deep breath. While it’s not ideal that Bella enjoyed quite a lot of lasagna, it’s not necessarily an emergency situation. Let's go through what to look out for and what you can do next.

Lasagna can contain ingredients that might upset Bella’s stomach, like dairy (cheese) or seasonings (onions, garlic), which can be mildly toxic to dogs in large amounts. Here’s what to observe:

• Mild symptoms: These can include a little tummy upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Monitor her closely and see how she’s doing over the next 24 hours.
• Serious symptoms: Watch for signs like excessive vomiting, diarrhea with blood, difficulty breathing, or noticeable weakness. These would be reasons to consult a vet promptly.

Here’s what you can do at home:

• Ensure Bella has access to plenty of fresh water. This will help keep her hydrated, especially if she has an upset tummy.
• Try to keep her calm and relaxed. Reduce her usual activity if she’s showing mild symptoms.
• Offer her a small, bland meal like plain boiled chicken and rice if she seems hungry later on.

Definitely call a vet if:

• She exhibits any serious symptoms, or if you’re unsure about her condition.
• She has consumed a large amount of lasagna or if it contained an uncommon ingredient that’s concerning you.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Trust your instincts about Bella’s normal behavior vs. anything unusual.

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.