My Dog Ate a Lollipop Will He Get Sick?

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, rather than reaching for a cigarette. 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 farther 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 one lick of a lollipop, or eats an entire lollipop that contains sugar, 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 lollipops with sugar on a regular basis, 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 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 track and cause an intestinal blockage.

Xylitol 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.