Many dogs enjoy exploring the house and frequently nibbling on objects that are not intended for consumption. Puppies and dogs may chew objects out of hunger or boredom. Candles may fall under this category, particularly scented ones. Let's find out. If your dog consumed a candle, what would you do? Do candles pose a risk to dogs?
Do dogs get hurt by candles?
Do dogs get hurt by candles?
Certain candles may be toxic to dogs due to the chemicals and essential oils they contain. Thankfully, the majority contain them in sufficiently small amounts that feeding them to dogs won't make them unwell. On the other hand, overeating may cause your dog to throw up, have diarrhea, or exhibit other symptoms of disease. Numerous varieties of mint, citrus, cinnamon, tea trees, pine, ylang-ylang, and other essential oils should be avoided. If enough is consumed, these could poison dogs in a number of ways.
Common materials used to make wax candles are soy, beeswax, or paraffin. For the most part, none of these substances are toxic to dogs. They usually soften and easily move through the dog's digestive system after consumption. On the other hand, big particles could obstruct the digestive tract. Soy candles are safer and kinder than other types. The metal components and wicks of candles are arguably the most hazardous portions. In the intestines, long wicks can tangle and form a linear foreign body, which has to be surgically removed. Additionally, metal pieces from the candle's base and wick may get stuck inside the GI tract. Furthermore, sharp edges have the potential to rip or rupture the GI tract's lining, creating an emergency.
How to Handle a Dog That Has Eaten a Candle
Prior to assuming that the dog has consumed a candle, observe whether he is acting. Is he depressed or sluggish? Do you see someone breathing heavily or panting? Has he experienced any diarrhea or vomiting? See your veterinarian for help if you observe these or any other symptoms of illness.
Next, try to figure out how much and what sort of candle the dog consumed. Certain canines may chew on candles without swallowing them, making a mess with you but sparing their own stomachs from upset stomachs. Some people will consume every last bit, occasionally including the metal base and wick. The best course of action is to take your dog to the vet if it has ingested a long wick and a large metal base. See your veterinarian right away if you are unsure about the candle's toxicity. Bring the packaging, if any, and any leftover candle parts. Read This: How to Make Candles At Home In These Easy Steps
It's crucial to keep an eye on the dog over the coming days, even if they appear well and you believe they just consumed a small portion of the candle. Candle wax consumption typically has a laxative effect that results in diarrhea or a mushy, oily stool. Get in touch with your veterinarian if the diarrhea is bloody, watery, or doesn't get better in a day. As an alternative, consuming a candle may cause moderate constipation in certain dogs. Get in touch with your veterinarian if the dog is straining and goes longer than two days between bowel movements.
Call your veterinarian as soon as possible if your dog is not eating as much, is lethargic, or throws up. Get advice from your veterinarian before administering over-the-counter drugs. It should go away after a few days, so check your dog's stool for candle leftovers. If only a little was consumed, though, you might not see this pass at all.
Maintaining the Safety of Your Dog
All candles should be kept out of reach if your dog enjoys chewing on household objects or if you aren't sure. Candles should be high up, out of your dog's reach. When not in use, keep candles behind closed doors, such as in a cupboard or closet. If your dog frequently gets into items around the house, you might want to think about leaving him in his crate when you're not home. If a container isn't an option, think about setting apart a small space and removing all potentially dangerous goods.
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