Can Dogs Eat Candy Canes?

noThe Answer

In short, if you are wondering if your dog can eat a candy cane, the answer is no – but it wont hurt them if they eat a small amount. Although some candy canes are not harmful to dogs, some that are sugar free can be.

More Information About Candy Canes

candy caneAlthough regular candy canes are not harmful to dogs, sugar free candy canes contain a chemical called xylitol. Xylitol can be deadly for your dog. If your dog has eaten a sugar free candy cane, depending on your dog’s size, and the amount they ate, you should bring your dog to a vet. Xylitol poisoning in dogs can result in loss of motor control, tremors, and seizures. If your dog exhibits any of these you must bring it to a vet immediately.


My Dog Ate A Candy Cane, Now What?

dogThe first thing you should do is try to find out what type of candy cane your dog ate, and what the ingredients were. If the candy cane used real sugar, and none of the other ingredients are harmful to dogs, your dog should be ok. You should still monitor your dog to ensure they are alright. If the candy cane was sugar free, or you are unsure if it is sugar free, you should call your family vet immediately, or if after hours call an emergency vet in your vicinity. Let the vet know what happened, the amount of candy cane your dog ate, and the type of dog you have.

Candy Cane Wrappers

candy canesCandy cane wrappers can also be harmful for your dog. Although your dog can will likely pass the wrapper without issue, it may cause a blockage in your dog’s intestine. If this happens it can cause vomiting, your dog may have a decreased appetite, may strain to defecate/cannot defecate, or can become lethargic. If your dog shows signs of a blockage you should bring them to a vet immediately.

Holiday Safety For Dogs

dogDuring the holiday season there are a lot of foods around the house that could be potentially harmful to dogs. Although some dogs will not go after these human treats, others will, especially puppies. The best thing to do when you have a dog in the house, is to keep food, especially harmful food, out of your dog’s reach.

In Conclusion

dogAlthough real sugar candy canes are not harmful to dogs, sugar free candy canes can be deadly. If you have candy canes around the house, the best thing would be to keep them out of reach of your dog. If your dog happens to get ahold of a sugar free candy cane, or a candy cane where you do not know if it is sugar free, and eats it, you should call your vet immediately.

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About the author

Elizabeth

I have owned dogs my entire life, and could not live without them. I adopted my dog Daisy three years ago, and she brings joy and happiness into every day. I enjoy making home made dog treats for my baby, and I take care to make sure my dog has the best food possible!

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Disclaimer

The information on this website has been taken from various sources. We simply do research and regurgitate information. Please ask your vet before altering your pets diet. The information on this website is in no means a full scientific study, it is simply a guide.