Is popping candy OK for dogs?
No, popping candy is not OK for dogs.
Popping candy is generally not considered to be a healthy treat for dogs for a few reasons. Firstly, the high sugar content in most commercially-available popping candies can lead to weight gain and potentially diabetes in dogs. Additionally, the artificial flavors and colors present in many of these products can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Finally, the hard candy shells can damage a dog’s teeth, leading to cavities and tooth decay.
While there are some potential risks associated with feeding your dog popping candy, there are also a few benefits to consider. For example, the act of chewing on hard candy can help to clean a dog’s teeth and prevent tartar buildup. Additionally, many dogs enjoy the sweet taste of popping candy and the opportunity to chew on something crunchy.
When deciding whether or not to give your dog popping candy, it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits. If you do decide to give your dog this treat, be sure to closely monitor their intake and always provide plenty of fresh water to avoid dehydration.
Can Dogs Eat Pop Rocks? – The Truth!
The answer to this question is a little complex, as there are different thoughts on the matter. Some people believe that it’s okay for dogs to eat pop rocks, while others argue that they can be harmful.
The reason for this disparity lies in the ingredients used to make pop rocks. But before we dig deeper into that, let’s first take a look at pop rocks and know what they are.
Pop rocks are a type of candy that was created in the 1950s. They are small, colorful pieces of hard candy that “pop” and fizz when they contact liquid, such as saliva. The popping noise is caused by the release of carbon dioxide gas.
The ingredients used to make pop rocks can be a cause for concern when it comes to whether or not dogs can eat them.
The popping noise is caused by the release of carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide gas is created when sugar, corn syrup, and artificial flavors are mixed with baking soda. This reaction causes the candy to fizz and “pop.”
Now that we know a little more about pop rocks let’s look at the ingredients used to make them. The main ingredient in pop rocks is sugar, corn syrup, and artificial flavors. These ingredients are generally safe for dogs to eat in moderation. However, one other ingredient in pop rocks can be harmful to dogs – sodium bicarbonate or baking soda.
Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is a type of salt used in baking. It is also used in many household cleaners and is potentially poisonous to dogs if ingested in high doses. Baking soda can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures in dogs. So, while pop rocks themselves are not poisonous to dogs, the baking soda used to make them can be harmful.
Sodium bicarbonate is a white, powdery substance used as a leavening agent in baking. It is also used as a cleaner and deodorizer. When ingested, sodium bicarbonate can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. In large doses, it can be fatal.
Xylitol is a sweetener found in many products, including gum, candy, and toothpaste. It is toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure. There is no xylitol in pop rocks, but it’s important to be aware of this ingredient as it can be found in other candies and snacks.
What Can dogs drink besides water?
What can dogs drink other than water?
Dog Eating Pop Rocks
So, your dog ate candy? The first thing to do is to figure out what type and quantity of candy your dog ate.
The biggest concern with candy (that isn’t chocolate) is the risk of the ingredient xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol commonly used as an artificial sweetener and is toxic to pets. This ingredient is often used in sugar-free items but has been showing up in more and more foods every day even when they aren’t labeled as sugar-free. Most often, xylitol is found in sugar-free gum, sugar-free candy, and sugar-free baked goods. Call your vet or emergency vet immediately if you believe your dog consumed xylitol.
Dogs are increasingly at risk for potential exposure to these products because more and more of them contain xylitol. It damages the dog’s liver, and clinical signs of “intoxication” (poisoning) can develop in as little as 30 minutes to an hour. Ingestion causes a massive insulin release. The blood-sugar drop (hypoglycemia) that results can cause weakness, stumbling, collapse, and even seizures. After this stage, signs of liver disease develop.
If detected early enough—within two hours—affected dogs can be made to vomit. If full-blown symptoms of hypoglycemia appear, your dog must be treated by a veterinarian until the animal’s blood glucose is back to normal.
For many small breeds, xylitol poisoning can be fatal without early veterinary intervention. There is no know antidote for xylitol intoxication and the only therapy is supportive. Treatment goals are the correction of hypoglycemia and prevention of developing acute liver failure.
Dogs certainly have a sweet tooth and some will gluttonously and ravenously go for any sweets they can ferret out. We need to dog-proof the house and ensure that dogs cannot get into potentially harmful things like xylitol-containing gum and candy.
Hard candy can also cause harm to dogs. Large quantities of hard candies and gum can clump up in the stomach and cause a risk of stomach obstruction.
In addition to the risk of candy itself, the wrappers can also be an issue. Wrappers can become lodged in your pet’s throat or intestinal tract, requiring surgery to remove them. Foil or cellophane wrappers have the potential to result in gastrointestinal irritation.
This article originally appeared in the award-winning AKC Family Dog magazine. Subscribe today!
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