my dog devoured nutella, should i be worried? just got back from the dog park and found mr. whiskers with his face buried in an empty nutella jar. my partner says 'dogs can't resist chocolate dreams', but should i call the vet or just prepare for some mes

Hi there! Sorry to hear about Mr. Whiskers' Nutella adventure. Let's break this down: Nutella contains both chocolate and hazelnuts, and the chocolate part is what can be concerning for dogs due to theobromine and caffeine. Here's what you can keep an eye out for:

• Symptoms to watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst or urination, restlessness, and a rapid heart rate. These could indicate chocolate toxicity.
• Emergency vs. waiting: Call your vet if you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they worsen or don't improve in a few hours. If Mr. Whiskers seems perfectly fine, it might just be a lesson learned, albeit a messy one!
• Toxicity thresholds: Generally, darker chocolates and those with higher cocoa content are more dangerous. For toxicity, small dogs are more at risk due to lower body weight. While Nutella has relatively low cocoa content, the amount ingested and your dog's size are important.
• Home care: Offer plenty of fresh water and perhaps a bland meal if Mr. Whiskers has an upset stomach. Monitor him closely, especially for the symptoms I mentioned.
• Definite vet call: If you're noticing severe symptoms like tremors, seizures, or extreme restlessness, it's time to head to the vet or an emergency clinic immediately.

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.