so this morning, max (my golden retriever) decided my bagel was fair game. of course, it was loaded with poppy seeds. my partner says he’ll just poop a little extra. any truth to that or should i be worried?

Hey there! Don’t worry too much about Max snagging that poppy seed bagel. While poppy seeds themselves aren't highly toxic to dogs, consuming a large number could cause some mild tummy issues. You might notice:

• A bit of an upset stomach or diarrhea
• Some changes in behavior like lethargy, but this is rare

If Max starts showing these symptoms but they're mild, just keep an eye on him. Monitor him for a day and make sure he drinks plenty of water to stay hydrated. If he's behaving normally, it's likely nothing to stress about.

Now, if Max starts showing more severe signs like:

• Vomiting excessively
• Signs of distress or severe lethargy
• Difficulty walking or any unusual behavior

That's when you'll want to get in touch with a vet. Remember, it’s always better to play it safe!

In the meantime, you can offer him a bland diet like plain boiled chicken and rice to help settle his stomach if needed. But rest easy knowing that most dogs will handle a few poppy seeds with no major issues. Give Max a hug from me!

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.