What to Do If Your Dog Ate Candle Wax

Candles add warmth and ambiance to any home, but their appeal isn’t limited to humans—dogs can also find them intriguing, often for reasons that surprise us. From the enticing scents of a holiday candle to the fun texture of wax, your curious pup may decide to take a taste. If your dog ate candle wax, it’s natural to feel concerned and wonder what to do next. The team at Companion Animal Hospital of Wakefield can help you navigate this situation and help you prepare in case this ever happens to your companion. 

Why Do Dogs Eat Candle Wax?

Dogs might eat candle wax for several reasons, ranging from curiosity to the enticing scent of the candle. Many scented candles smell like food, which can tempt your dog to take a bite. For example, candles with vanilla, cinnamon, or fruity fragrances may appeal to your pet’s nose.

In other cases, boredom or stress might lead your dog to chew on items they wouldn’t typically consider food. Candles left within easy reach may also attract your dog’s attention, especially if they enjoy chewing on similar objects like toys or bones. Regardless of the reason, if your dog ate candle wax, understanding the potential risks is essential for their safety.

Immediate Steps to Take if Your Dog Ate Candle Wax

If you discover your dog has eaten candle wax, it’s important to act calmly and follow these steps to assess the situation:

1. Inspect the Area: Check how much of the candle is missing. Knowing how much wax your dog consumed can help you determine whether it’s a minor issue or something more serious.
2. Identify the Candle Type: Note whether the candle was made of natural wax (like soy or beeswax) or paraffin, and whether it was scented or unscented. Some candles may contain harmful additives or fragrances that could pose additional risks.
3. Check for Signs of Discomfort: Observe your dog for any immediate symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, or excessive drooling. These could indicate that the candle wax is causing irritation or blockage.
4. Prevent Further Consumption: Remove any remaining pieces of the candle to ensure your dog doesn’t eat more wax.
5. Contact Your Veterinarian: For guidance specific to your dog’s size, breed, and health history, call your veterinarian or reach out to Companion Animal Hospital of Wakefield at (919) 488-5300.

Potential Risks of Candle Wax Consumption

Candle wax itself is generally not toxic, but consuming it can still pose risks to your dog’s health. The potential dangers depend on the type of candle and the amount of wax your dog ate. Here are some of the most common concerns:

Risk of Intestinal Blockage

One of the primary risks is the possibility of a blockage in your dog’s digestive tract. Candle wax can harden as it cools, making it difficult for your dog to pass. Blockages may cause symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and difficulty passing stool.

Potential Toxic Ingredients

Scented candles often contain additives like essential oils, dyes, or synthetic fragrances. Some of these ingredients can be harmful to dogs if ingested. For example, essential oils such as eucalyptus or cinnamon are known to cause adverse reactions in pets.

Digestive Upset

Even if the candle wax doesn’t cause a blockage or contain harmful ingredients, it can still irritate your dog’s stomach or intestines. Symptoms like mild vomiting or diarrhea may occur as their digestive system works to process the wax.

When Does Eating Candle Wax Require Veterinary Care? 

While not every instance of a dog eating candle wax is an emergency, some situations require prompt veterinary attention. Call your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:

1. Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea: These symptoms can lead to dehydration and indicate that your dog’s body is struggling to process the wax.
2. Signs of Pain or Discomfort: Whining, pacing, or a hunched posture may signal that your dog is experiencing abdominal pain.
3. Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing: This could occur if large pieces of the candle become lodged in your dog’s throat.
4. No Bowel Movements: A lack of bowel movements or signs of straining without success could indicate an intestinal blockage.
5. Ingestion of Toxic Ingredients: If you know the candle contained harmful substances, such as essential oils or heavy metals, seek help immediately.

Your veterinarian can assess your dog’s condition and recommend appropriate care, which may include X-rays or other diagnostic tests to check for blockages.

How Candle Materials Affect Risks

Different types of candles can vary significantly in terms of risk. 

Paraffin Candles

Paraffin is a petroleum-based wax that is not easily digestible. Large amounts may increase the likelihood of intestinal blockage, and scented paraffin candles may contain synthetic additives that could harm your dog.

Soy and Beeswax Candles

Natural waxes like soy and beeswax are less likely to contain harmful chemicals, but they can still cause blockages if consumed in large amounts.

Candles with Decorations

Candles with embedded items such as glitter, dried flowers, or metal wicks present additional risks. These materials are indigestible and could cause mechanical blockages or injuries.

How to Prevent Future Incidents

To prevent your dog from eating candle wax in the future, consider these strategies:

• Keep candles in high places or closed cabinets where your dog can’t access them.
• When burning candles, ensure your dog is not left unattended in the room.
• Consider flameless LED candles for ambiance without the risk.
• Offer appropriate chew toys or treats to redirect your dog’s chewing behavior away from non-food items.

How Companion Animal Hospital of Wakefield Can Help

If your dog ate candle wax and you’re unsure about their next steps, Companion Animal Hospital of Wakefield is here to assist. Our team can evaluate your dog’s situation, recommend diagnostic tests if needed, and provide treatment to ensure their well-being. Call us at (919) 488-5300 for guidance or to schedule an appointment.

Supporting Your Dog’s Health After Candle Wax Consumption

Once the immediate concern has passed, monitoring your dog for lingering issues is essential. Encourage hydration to help their digestive system process the wax, and gradually reintroduce their regular diet if their appetite was affected. If you notice any ongoing symptoms or behavioral changes, reach out to your veterinarian for further evaluation. By taking these steps, you can help your dog recover and prevent similar incidents in the future. Candle wax consumption may be alarming, but with prompt action and professional care, your dog can return to their happy, healthy self.