Do you keep a candy jar on the counter or coffee table? Does your dog like to go by, when you’re not looking, and sneak a piece of candy? Well, you’re not alone! This is a very common problem with dogs!
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If you’re a Jolly Rogers fan (and who isn’t), you may wonder if the candy is safe for your dog.
What are Jolly Ranchers?
Jolly Ranchers are hard, fruit-flavored candies that have a sweet/sour taste. They come in various flavors including apple, blue raspberry, cherry, watermelon, grape, and lemon. The wonderful hard candies have only 24 calories each, which makes them a favorite even for people on diets.
The candies are individually wrapped and usually come in a large package. The ingredients in Jolly Ranchers include:
- Corn syrup
- Sugar
- Malic acid
- Natura & artificial flavors
- Artificial color Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Yellow 6
Are Jolly Ranchers Safe for Dogs?
You’ll be happy to learn that in small quantities (10 grams or less), Jolly Ranchers are listed as a safe sweet treat for dogs! Having said that, it’s never a good idea to give even safe sugary treats to dogs on a regular basis.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSugar Toxicity in Dogs
In large amounts, sugar can cause an upset stomach in dogs, which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Not fun for your dog or you! It can also cause tooth decay, obesity, and metabolic changes that can lead to diabetes.
For these reasons, it’s never a good idea to let your dog have sugary snacks very often. And your canine companion should definitely not eat large amounts of candy, including Jolly Ranchers.
My Dog Ate Jolly Ranchers—What Should I Do?
The first thing is to determine how many your dog may have eaten. If he’s only had a couple of Jolly Ranchers, then chances are he’ll be OK. However, if he’s eaten more, then it’s probably a good idea to call the vet. Before you do that…
Check to see if your dog has ingested the wrappers along with the Jolly Ranchers. If he’s swallowed a couple of wrappers, they will probably pass through without any problem. They’ll eventually show up in your dog’s poop in a day or so. However, if the dog has swallowed several wrappers, this could lead to a problem called an intestinal blockage.
So, if your dog has eaten a large number of Jolly Ranchers and/or ingested several wrappers, too, then call the vet immediately. They’ll have the best advice on the steps you need to take next.
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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