My Dog Ate a Candle: Here’s What to Do (Vet Answer)
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Dogs have a knack for getting into things they shouldn’t. This can be anything from furnishing items and garden plants to pantry snacks and candle wax. So, let’s focus more on candles. Considering how strong a dog’s sense of smell is (at least 10,000 times stronger than ours!), it’s easy to understand why they might decide to chew on or eat a candle.
If your dog has chewed on or eaten a candle, should you be worried? As you’ll see, the answer to this question depends on three things: the size of the candle, the size of your dog, and the candle’s packaging. That said, in most cases, your dog should be fine.
My Dog Ate a Candle – What Should I Do?
1. Check how much candle was eaten
Sometimes the candle will be found elsewhere in the house or yard—your dog might have been playing with the candle but did not actually eat it. Similarly, they might have chewed it up into many smaller pieces that can be found strewn across the house, leaving only a small amount of candle that might have been eaten. If you witnessed your dog eat a very large or long candle, you might consider skipping step 2 and going straight to step 3 (contact your veterinarian).
2. Check how your dog is behaving
If you’ve been out of the house for some time and returned to find the candle chewed up, you might not know exactly how much was swallowed. If this is the case, assess how your dog looks. Does he or she seem bright and happy? Are there any signs of lethargy or distress? Any evidence of vomiting or diarrhea? If you have a big dog that has eaten a small candle, it may be reasonable to take a “watch and see” approach.
3. Contact a veterinarian
We recommend calling a vet clinic if:
- You’re unsure how much candle was eaten
- The candle was very large relative to the size of your dog
- Your dog is showing any signs of being unwell.
They will perform a physical examination and discuss the options with you.
Are Candles Toxic to Dogs?
Most candles do not make dogs sick. Some of the oils, fragrances, and chemicals in candles can be toxic to dogs, but they generally make up such a small proportion of the candle’s substance that they don’t cause any issues. There are three main problems that vets occasionally see as a result of candle ingestion:
- Gastroenteritis. As the wax is digested, and some of the chemicals are absorbed, the digestive tract has a reaction to these unfamiliar substances. This is similar to an “upset stomach”, and may result in vomiting and diarrhea.
- Obstruction. If the candle is large enough, it can cause a blockage at the outflow passage from the stomach, or in the bowels (small intestines). This is referred to as a “foreign body obstruction” and requires urgent intervention.
- Perforation. If the metal or foil base of the candle was also eaten, this can form a sharp edge and tear or damage the lining of the digestive tract. This can cause a very serious infection in the abdomen called “peritonitis”.
Why Do Dogs Eat Candles?
The simple answer is that we don’t really know why dogs eat candles and other hazardous non-food items. Some dogs will do it out of boredom, others will do it out of hunger. Some dogs will do it due to their inquisitive nature, others will do it out of habit. If your dog is a repeat offender, the condition may be termed “Pica” and your vet can discuss the options to get to the bottom of why it’s happening.
Can I Make My Dog Vomit at Home?
Making your dog vomit at home is not advisable unless there is absolutely no way to get your dog to a vet clinic. If this is the case, contact your vet and they will be able to advise as to the safest ways to make your dog vomit at home.
The 3 Ways to Stop a Dog Eating Candles
There are three approaches to stop your dog’s candle-eating habit:
1. Provide more stimulation
This can be in the form of toys and food puzzles. An extra walk each day may help to burn off any excess energy. Sometimes, leaving a TV or radio on helps keep them calm and occupied while you’re out of the house.
2. Minimize access
Ensure candles and other items are not accessible to your dog when he or she is unsupervised.
3. Training
A full discussion of training techniques is beyond the scope of this article. It’s important not to punish your dog for eating a candle—remember, they don’t know that what they did is wrong. Rewarding good behavior when it occurs is much more likely to be successful.
Conclusion
If your dog has eaten a candle or part of a candle, they’ll most likely be fine. However, this does depend on the size of your dog, how much they’ve eaten, and what type of candle they’ve ingested. In any case, if your dog has swallowed any candle at all, it’s best to visit a veterinarian.
See also:
- Rat Terrier vs. Jack Russell Terrier: The Key Differences (With Pictures)
- Common Airedale Terrier Health Issues (Vet Answer)
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
