Can Dogs Eat Candy Canes? Why the Candy Is Bad for Dogs

Peppermint candy canes are J-shaped treats with distinctive red and white striping. These hard candies are most popular during the holiday season when people use them to decorate Christmas trees and wreaths in addition to enjoying them in hot cocoa or as candies.

You should not let your dog eat candy canes or even sugar-free candy canes. Candy canes have little to no nutritional value and can cause several dangerous health issues for your pooch; therefore, they are not appropriate dog treats under any circumstances.

While any type of candy can be a risk for canines, candy canes’ curved shape, plastic packaging, and large amounts of xylitol and peppermint oil place them among the most dangerous. These elements present choking hazards and toxicity risks for dogs.

Watch out for these common symptoms, which might signify your dog ate a candy cane. If candy cane ingestion occurs, contact your veterinarian or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center hotline to determine immediate treatment for your pet. Here are four potential negative outcomes as a result of dogs eating candy canes:

1. 1. Constipation: If your dog eats a candy cane with a plastic wrapper, the shape, hardness, and packaging can form a blockage in your pet’s esophagus or digestive system.
2. 2. Elevated heart rate: The sugar and xylitol in candy canes can be life-threatening to a dog. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can raise your dog’s heart rate or cause palpitations. These symptoms are often the first symptoms of xylitol poisoning, leading to several other dangerous health problems, like seizures or liver failure.
3. 3. Gastrointestinal upset: The most common reaction following canine ingestion of the sweetener xylitol is a gastrointestinal response, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
4. 4. Lethargy: Common signs of xylitol poisoning or signs of an allergic reaction to the essential oil or peppermint extract in candy canes include weakness, loss of appetite, and a sluggish metabolism.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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