My dog Bella just threw up blood after grabbing something off the counter. I'm freaking out! Is this dangerous? Do I need to call a vet right now? What do I do?

Hey there, I'm really sorry to hear that Bella isn't feeling well. Seeing your pet throw up blood can definitely be scary, but let's take a deep breath and go over a few things together.

It's important to keep an eye out for any other symptoms, like:

• Continued vomiting or retching
• Diarrhea, especially with blood
• Lethargy or weakness
• Pale gums
• Difficulty breathing
• Signs of pain (like whining or hunching over)

If Bella just vomited blood once and is otherwise acting normal, try to monitor her closely. However, if she shows any of the symptoms listed above, or if the vomiting continues, it's important to call a vet promptly.

Common things dogs might grab off the counter that can cause problems include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or medications. For instance, chocolate can be toxic, especially if she got into a lot of it. A toxic dose depends on the type of chocolate and her size. Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate.

If you know what she ate and it could be harmful, or if Bella's condition worsens, call a vet immediately. Better safe than sorry!

While you're waiting for advice or on your way to the vet, don't feed her anything else—not even water—and try to keep her calm and comfortable.

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.