Dogs will eat the strangest things, with some dogs even eating wax! Why on earth would a dog choose to eat wax?
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If you have scented candles at home, their smell may attract your dog and he may believe it’s a treat of some kind. Candles may smell like various types of foods and smell similar enough to a food that your fur baby may try a bite.
Is Wax Poisonous?
Should you worry if your dog ate some wax? It depends. While the wax itself is considered to be non-toxic, those scents that make the candle or wax smell good could be toxic. These substances in wax can be poisonous:
- Essential oils
- Perfumes
The good news is that most wax contains low amounts of these substances and may not cause a problem if eaten. However, if a dog eats a large amount, then he could experience the symptoms of toxicity.
These include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Panting/difficulty breathing
- Lethargic
- Lack of appetite
- Painful abdomen (which may also be swollen)
- Constipation
While wax on its own probably isn’t poisonous, it could cause other medical problems, including an intestinal blockage. This is a serious, life-threatening emergency.
However, if your pup has just eaten wax such as beeswax, paraffin, or soy, chances are the wax will soften in your fur baby’s system and pass on through without any trouble.
My Dog Ate Wax – What to Do
First, if your canine companion happened to eat a candle, then check the bottom of the candle or the package it came in (if you still have it) to see if any ingredients are listed. Look for the type of wax and/or the scent (was it an essential oil, for instance). Or if he just ate another type of wax, see if you can determine what type of wax it was, etc. This information can help the vet determine treatment options.
Now, do not induce vomiting, unless directed to do so by your vet.
If your pup only ate a little bit of the wax, the vet may ask you to monitor your dog for any signs and symptoms mentioned above. If your fur baby happened to eat a large amount of wax, the vet will ask you to watch for signs of a bowel blockage. They may also advise you to give your dog some plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) to help move the wax through your dog’s system. You’ll need to watch your fur baby—if he’s constipated for one or two days, then be sure to call the vet.
And of course, watch for signs of a bowel obstruction. If you see symptoms of this condition, or you’re worried about other signs, then be sure to call your vet for guidance. Chances are your dog will be good just after eating wax but do monitor him for a couple of days to make sure he’s OK.
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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