Does your fur baby like it when you share snacks with him? Have you ever shared Skittles with your fur baby? If so, then you’re not alone. Many of us pet parents enjoy a few Skittles now and then. Those brightly colored bits of tart, sour and sweet treats taste great! But are they good for your dog?
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Are Skittles Bad for Dogs?
Skittles are those fruit-flavored, brightly colored candies that are both sweet and sour. They’re very popular and make a nice treat once in a while.
These brightly colored fruity tart bits are not toxic for dogs. That’s good news! However, the sugar isn’t exactly good for your fur baby. If he only eats a few pieces of the candy once in a while, he will be OK. However, you shouldn’t give your dog sugary snacks on a regular basis, as it can lead to diabetes and other health issues.
What happens if my dog eats an entire package of Skittles? If your canine companion happens to wolf down a whole bag of the candies, he could become ill. More than likely, your dog will have some gastrointestinal issues such as:
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
These symptoms may last a day or so, depending on how much of the candy your pup has eaten. Bloating, though, can be a serious problem in dogs. If your fur baby looks bloated, then be sure to call the vet as soon as possible for their advice.
And if your fur baby doesn’t seem to feel better in about 24 hours after eating the Skittles, or is showing some concerning symptoms, then be sure to call the vet immediately.
Dog Ate Skittles & Packaging
This is a different story. If your fur baby ate the packing, too, this could pose a medical emergency. This is because the candy wrapper, or other packaging, could cause an intestinal blockage. This is caused when the candy wrapper becomes lodged in a dog’s intestines and can’t move. This blocks everything from food to poo, and it can be life-threatening.
An intestinal blockage requires fast treatment, which may include surgery. If, however, the packaging is where the vet can see it, such as lodged the dog’s throat, they may be able to use medical instruments to pull the wrapper out. Treatment depends on where exactly the candy wrapper is located.
The good news is that most dogs will go on to live a long, happy life after surgery for an intestinal blockage.
If you feed your pup a few Skittles once in a great while, he should be OK. If he’s eaten a lot of the candies, they may cause some stomach upset. In most cases, your fur baby will be just fine. However, if you know he’s eaten the packaging, then your pup will need to see the vet as soon as possible.
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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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