Some foods that are harmless to us can actually be quite dangerous for our pets. Although candy is a delicious treat for us, some types—like chocolate—can be harmful and even fatal for dogs. This might be a fact you have heard before, but perhaps have yet to understand why. We discuss the four big things to watch out for: xylitol, theobromine, intestinal blockages, and choking.
The Biggest Dangers of Candy
Candy can be devastating to dogs and is typically an emergency for several reasons. To start, two of the main ingredients in chocolates and candies are xylitol and theobromine, which are toxic to dogs. Then some candies, and all candy wrappers, are choking and blockage hazards.
Xylitol
Found in many sugar-free candies, xylitol is a sugar-alcohol sweetener. For humans, it is a great way to get the sweet taste of sugar without actual sugar. For dogs, it is dangerous to their liver and can cause hypoglycemia and seizures.
Signs of xylitol poisoning can start as soon as 30 minutes after ingestion and the first thing to happen is a huge insulin release that causes the blood sugar to drop. Signs of the blood sugar drop are weakness, collapse, and seizures. Once the body starts to process this change there is an increased risk of liver disease.
If your dog consumes any amount of xylitol you should speak with a veterinarian immediately. Depending on the amount ingested and the size of your pet, it can be a fatal consumption.
Theobromine
Dogs are overly sensitive to theobromine, a bitter alkaloid found in cacao, and therefore in any kind of chocolate candy. This compound mainly causes gastrointestinal upset. It also affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems by sending them into hyperdrive.
In rare cases, eating chocolate can be fatal for dogs. Their tolerance will depend on things like their size, the amount they consumed, any history of heart trouble, and other contributing factors. This is why it is important to consult a veterinarian right away if your dog eats chocolate.
Choking
Dogs are also at risk of hurting themselves with the candy and their wrappers. Gummy candies can form large blobs that can get stuck in their throats and choke them. It is important to familiarize yourself with the steps to take if they are choking before you need it.
- Check if the object can be easily removed from the airway. DO NOT put your hands in their mouths if they are trying to bite, or try to sweep the item out. This can lodge it in further.
- For small dogs, tip the upside down and gently move them in an up and down motion. Move to the Heimlich maneuver if this does not work
- Balancing them on your lap or leg, have them facing the ground. With fisted hands place them under their ribcage and push in and downward.
- If the item does not dislodge call your veterinarian and get them there ASAP.
Intestinal Blockages
Gummy candies can clump up inside their intestines forming blockages. The wrappers can also form intestinal blockages in their bodies. Intestinal blockages can lead to deadly infections, and they often require surgery to remove.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Candy
Step One: Stay Calm
Dogs can sense our emotions and if we panic they panic, which makes caring for them more difficult. Calmly approaching the situation will help everyone involved.
Step Two: Assess the Situation
If your dog is choking, use the proper steps to dislodge the object. If your dog has swallowed the candy, check the ingredients to see if you might be dealing with xylitol or theobromine poisoning.
Step Three: Call Your Veterinarian
Depending on the symptoms your dog is exhibiting, their size, age, and medical history, and how much candy they ate, they might need medical attention. Your veterinarian will help you determine if they need to come in for treatment.
Veterinary Care That Isn’t Scary
Here at East Valley Animal Hospital, we offer both emergency and preventive care. Our team of veterinarians and technicians are here to help your dog feel their best, even when they eat something they shouldn’t. Along with our extensive training and experience, we also have caring hearts, and will treat your pets as if they were our own. If you are looking for emergency veterinary care, call us at 480-892-1577 to make an appointment today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/4/24). Photo by Yes and Studio on Unsplash.