My dog just ate some food seasoned with paprika — what's my first step?

First, check what type of paprika was used. Mild, sweet paprika often only causes mild stomach upset, but hot or smoked varieties are more irritating. Offer your dog a drink of plain water to help flush their mouth and soothe any irritation. Over the next few hours, watch for signs like excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, or diarrhea. If the paprika was a spicy variety or your dog shows significant discomfort, a call to your vet for advice is a good idea.