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Lollipops are enjoyed by young and old alike! What’s better than having a lollipop as you relax and watch TV or read? Some people do use lollipops as a way to relax. Lollipops are great treats—but are they good for dogs?
What are Lollipops?
Lollipops, also called suckers, are a sugary, flavored candy that is hard and is mounted on a stick. You’re supposed to suck and lick the lollipop until it’s gone. Or if you’re like some of us, we prefer to chew them when they melt down to a certain level. However you eat your lollipop, these are a very popular candy that’s been around for a long time.
Some believe lollipops were first created back in medieval times. Back in those days, the rich would eat boiled sugar using a stick. It’s entirely possible, though, that lollipops go back further in history. No one knows for sure.
These days, lollipops come in many different types and in many flavors. Most lollipops are made with sugar; however, some lollipops are also made with artificial sweeteners.
Are Lollipops Bad for Dogs?
The answer is it depends. If your dog has just one lick of a lollipop, chances are he will be just fine. Some dogs may experience some vomiting and diarrhea, but it usually lasts less than 24 hours.
However, having said that, if a dog eats a whole lollipop, then he could become sick. Sugar can be toxic for dogs.
Another problem are sugar-free lollipops, which may be sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.
One more problem with lollipops is if the dog eats the stick. The stick can become lodged in the throat and pose a choking hazard, or it can get stuck in the digestive tract and cause an intestinal blockage.
If your dog has eaten a sugar free lollipop or a whole lollipop including the stick, contact your vet straight away as your dog will likely need treatment.
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Ask a Vet Live NowXylitol Poisoning in Dogs
Xylitol is very bad for dogs because rather than slowly stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas, it causes a rapid release, which brings a huge drop in the dog’s blood sugar (called hypoglycemia). This can happen within 10 to 60 minutes after ingesting xylitol. This can be a life-threatening condition.
If your dog has eaten a lollipop sweetened with xylitol and/or has eaten the stick, then call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency. If your dog is treated early, then he has a very good chance of a full recovery.
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Aisling O'Keeffe, MVB CertSAM ISFMCertAdvFB
This article has been reviewed and approved by an independent Veterinarian: Aisling qualified as a vet 7 years ago from University College Dublin. She has worked in a mixture of UK small animal hospitals along with Irish practices. She worked for 3 years in a feline-only hospital where she further developed her feline medicine and surgery skills. She currently lives and works in a small animal hospital in Cork, Ireland.
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