Can dogs eat tomatoes?

Only with precautions. Ripe red tomatoes are safe for dogs; the danger is in green tomatoes, stems and leaves, which hold solanine and tomatine. A bite of salad tomato is harmless, but garden access to the plant can cause trouble. If you grow tomatoes, fence them off — dogs that chew the vines get the highest doses.

Watch for gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, weakness, confusion. Symptoms may appear within hours; when in doubt, call your vet.

Assess how much was eaten and whether seeds, pits, shells or seasoning were included. Small plain amounts usually need monitoring only; large or seasoned amounts warrant a call to your vet.