My dog Max just snatched salmon skin off the counter. Should I be freaking out? Is this dangerous? Do I need to call the vet? I’m not sure if it’s safe or if he’ll have a bad reaction. What should I do now?

Hi there! First off, try not to panic. Most dogs can tolerate small amounts of salmon skin without any issues. However, let's go over a few things to watch for just to be safe.

Keep an eye on Max for any of these symptoms:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Signs of discomfort or stomach pain
• Any unusual behavior, like excessive drooling or lethargy

Salmon skin isn't toxic like chocolate or grapes, but salmon occasionally carries parasites and bacteria, especially if it wasn’t fully cooked. If the salmon was raw or undercooked, these are a bit more concerning. In that case, watch closely for those symptoms above.

In most cases, a single incident like this isn’t an emergency. Just make sure Max has access to plenty of fresh water, and monitor his behavior for the next 24-48 hours. If he shows any mild digestive upset, it usually passes fairly quickly. However, if he starts to vomit repeatedly, has bloody diarrhea, or if you notice any swelling or breathing trouble, that’s when it's time to call your vet or head to an emergency clinic.

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.