Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can Dogs Eat Candy Canes? Vet-Approved Facts

Written by: Brooke Billingsley

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Brooke Billingsley

Can Dogs Eat Candy Canes? Vet-Approved Facts

VET APPROVED

Dr. Lorna Whittemore  Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Lorna Whittemore

MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Candy canes are a fun and tasty seasonal treat that suddenly appear everywhere around the holiday season. If you have cats or kids, it’s pretty likely that a candy cane will find its way onto the floor sometime during the festivities. Once on the floor, your dog may decide to eat the treat, whether it’s because they’re just curious or seeking a crunchy treat. Dogs should not eat candy canes.

Here’s what you need to know about dogs and candy canes. Keep reading!

divider-paw

Can Dogs Eat Candy Canes?

No, dogs should not be allowed to eat candy canes. There are multiple reasons that candy canes can be dangerous for dogs, and not all of these reasons are related to the ingredients in the candy itself.

Sugar-free candy canes are far more dangerous for dogs than regular candy canes, but all candy canes and peppermint candies in general should be avoided for dogs. Toxic ingredients for dogs abound in peppermint candies, and if your dog consumes candy canes or other peppermint candies, you should contact your vet or a pet poison helpline to get further guidance.

Candy Cane
Image By: Kati, Pixabay

Why Are Candy Canes Dangerous?

Sugar-free candy canes contain xylitol, which is a common sugar replacement in candies. Unfortunately, xylitol is extremely dangerous for dogs. Xylitol consumption can lead to seizures, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver failure, and even sadly, death.

There are no safe levels of xylitol for dogs, so even if your big dog consumes one small sugar-free candy cane, you should reach out to a vet for guidance. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include staggering, lethargy, weakness, vomiting, collapse, and seizures.

Even with regular sugar candy canes, there are concerns because peppermint is mildly toxic to dogs. If your dog consumes candy canes, there is a risk of stomach upset occurring. While this is typically not serious, your dog will be uncomfortable with abdominal pain and diarrhea, and they may keep you up all night needing to run outside to potty.

The shape of candy canes can pose a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs and puppies. Dogs that tend to swallow items whole instead of chewing them up can also potentially choke on candy canes.

The other concern with candy canes is their plastic wrapper. While it’s unlikely that the wrapper will cause problems there is still a risk that the plastic wrapper of candy canes will lead to choking in your dog. It also may be difficult for your dog to pass the wrapper through their digestive tract, and plastic is fully indigestible.

divider-paw

In Conclusion

If your dog consumes candy canes, you should reach out to your vet or pet poison control, at minimum. Check the label of the candy canes if you have the package. It is extremely important for you to determine if the candy canes contain xylitol or not.

For regular candy canes, once the candy cane is consumed, the risk is generally limited to digestive irritation and discomfort. Candy canes containing xylitol can be deadly for your dog, so determining if this ingredient is present can be a matter of life and death for your pup.

Related Read:

Get Dogster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Dogster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.