Many dogs enjoy “close contact” with objects in the house and often eat things they shouldn’t. Dogs may chew freely out of boredom or hunger. Candles, especially scented candles, can be one of the things dogs eat during the process. What should you do if your dog eats a candle? Are candles dangerous for dogs?
Some candles contain chemicals or essential oils that can be harmful to dogs, and fortunately, the concentrations are usuallytoo low to make your dog sick after eating them. However, if the dog eats a large amount of candles, it may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or other signs of illness. In addition to candles, some things to avoid are mint, citrus, cinnamon, tea tree, pine tree, ylang ylang etc. When ingested in sufficient quantities, these contraindications can have varied and serious toxic effects on dogs.
Candles are usually made of paraffin wax, beeswax, or soy, none of which are toxic to dogs. When ingested by a dog, they are softened and pass through the dog’s intestines. If a dog swallows a candle whole, it can cause an intestinal blockage. Soy candles are softer and less risky.
Perhaps the most dangerous parts of a candle are the wick and metal parts. The long wicks can become entangled in the intestines, leaving a thread-like foreign body that requires surgery. Metal parts in the wick and candle base can also get stuck in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, sharp edges may puncture or tear the gastrointestinal tract, leading to serious conditions.
If your dog hasn’t defecated in a day or two, make sure to contact your veterinarian. Some dogs experience soft stools or diarrhea after eating candles, contact your veterinarian if the diarrhea is watery, blood based, or does not get better within a day. If your dog experiences decreased appetite, lethargy, or vomiting, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not take over-the-counter medications without veterinary advice.
If you have a dog that likes to chew, be sure to store your dog’s “contraband” to protect your dog’s health as well as your belongings.
Post time: Apr-26-2023
