
Eating candle wax can be fatal for dogs. If your dog ingests candle wax, it can cause a blockage in their digestive tract, leading to severe vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Candle wax is not easily digestible by dogs. In fact, it can take up to 7 days for a dog to pass a small amount of candle wax through their system.
The amount of wax ingested is a crucial factor in determining the severity of the symptoms. Even a small amount of wax can cause problems, but larger amounts can lead to more severe complications.
If you suspect your dog has eaten candle wax, it's essential to seek veterinary attention immediately.
For your interest: Can Eating Sticks Cause Diarrhea in Dogs
What Happens If My Pet Eats Wax?
If your pet eats wax, it's essential to know what to expect. In most cases, the wax will pass through their system without causing any damage.
However, if the wax contains other substances like fragrances or additives, it can be toxic and cause digestive issues in pets.
You can reduce the risk of harm by looking for pet-friendly candles free of toxins and fragrances.
Dogs can ingest a little wax and pass it through the digestive tract, but eating too much of it or consuming wax with toxic substances can worsen quickly.
Veterinarians agree that candles and pets are not a good match, so it's best to skip fragranced candles entirely.
If your pet shows signs of distress after eating wax, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite, contact your vet immediately.
What to Do?
If your pup just ate a candle, there are several steps to take. If your dog is showing signs of distress, such as vomiting or lethargy, seek veterinary attention immediately.
You should monitor your dog closely for the next 24 to 48 hours, watching for signs of gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea, vomiting, or lack of appetite. If your dog consumed a different foreign body outside of a candle, there are some things to look for that are different.
If your dog is experiencing symptoms like drooling, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty swallowing, it may be a sign that the candle wax has caused an obstruction. Keep an eye out for these symptoms.
If your dog's symptoms worsen or don't improve, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
Scented Candles or Any Candle
Scented candles or any candle can be hazardous to your dog. Candles can emit chemicals that can harm your dog's lungs, and dogs have smaller lungs than humans, so what's safe for us may not be safe for them.
Dogs have a highly sensitive sense of smell, with estimates suggesting it's at least 10,000 times more sensitive than ours. If you're aware of the smell from a burning candle, your dog is much more likely to notice it and be bothered by it.
Some candles, especially scented ones, contain essential oils that can be toxic to dogs. If you notice signs like coughing, difficulty breathing, irritated eyes, lethargy, nasal irritation, or throat irritation in your dog, put the candle out, open windows, and take your dog outside to recover.
On a similar theme: Antler Dog Treats Safe
If the signs don't start to go away, get to the veterinarian. It's essential to remember that even if the chemicals from burning candles are not directly hazardous to humans, they can still pose a risk to your furry friend.
Here are some common signs that a candle is bothering your dog:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Irritated, red, draining eyes
- Lethargy
- Nasal irritation and/or discharge
- Throat irritation
Pet Health and Behavior
Dogs can be attracted to candles due to boredom, hunger, or their inquisitive nature.
The ingredients in candles, such as dyes and scents, can be toxic to dogs, but the wax itself is not toxic.
If your dog has eaten a candle, it's essential to monitor their behavior and watch for signs of illness, as the wick and tea light holder can cause blockages and gut damage.
Related reading: Is Plant Food Toxic to Dogs
Is Candle Wax Edible?
Candle wax is not digestible, and it's essential to keep it out of reach of your furry friends. If your dog ingests candle wax, it can obstruct their stomach and cause digestive issues.
Paraffin wax, commonly found in candles, is made from petroleum or shale oil and doesn't dissolve in the stomach. This can lead to serious health complications if ingested.
Candle wax can be particularly hazardous for dogs if it contains fragrances or additives, which can be toxic and cause digestive problems. Tea tree candles, for instance, may still contain paraffin wax, making them a potential threat to your dog's health.
If your dog has eaten a candle or wax melt, it's crucial to contact your vet immediately, even if the wax seems to pass through their system without issue. This is because other substances in the wax can cause harm.
Opting for soy or beeswax-based candles can minimize the risk of health risks associated with candle wax ingestion. These types of candles are a safer choice for pet owners who want to enjoy candles without worrying about their dog's safety.
Consider reading: Can Dog Food Cause Diarrhea in Dogs
Toxic Candles
Toxic candles can be a serious hazard to your furry friend's health. Some candles contain paraffin wax, which emits toxic chemicals when burning, including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. These chemicals can be hazardous to your dog's lungs, especially since they have smaller lungs than humans.
Dogs have a much more sensitive sense of smell than we do, with some estimates suggesting it's 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive. This means if you're aware of the smell from a burning candle, your dog is much more likely to notice it and be bothered by it.
Scented candles, in particular, can be toxic to dogs due to the essential oils used in them. These oils can be harmful to dogs and even cause health issues ranging from mild gastrointestinal distress to severe problems requiring medical attention. If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these oils, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Some candles also contain lead wicks, heavy metals, and dyes, which are all toxic to dogs. If your dog eats any of these items, it could cause health issues, so it's essential to keep them out of reach.
If you're concerned about the safety of your candles, consider switching to all-natural soy wax candles that don't contain synthetic fragrances or dyes. Soy candles are a good choice because they burn cleanly and with little to no soot residue, making them a safer option for your furry friend.
Here are some signs that a candle is bothering your dog:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Irritated, red, draining eyes
- Lethargy
- Nasal irritation and/or discharge
- Throat irritation
If you notice any of these signs, put the candle out, open windows, and take your dog outside to recover. If the signs don't start to go away, get to the veterinarian.
Call Your Veterinarian
If your dog has ingested a candle, it's essential to act quickly and call your veterinarian. Don't wait, as prompt action can make a big difference.
You'll need to be prepared to answer some questions when you call your vet. Be sure to have the size of the candle, the type of wick it has, and whether there are any metal, plastic, glass, or other solid parts on hand. This information will help your vet assess the situation and provide the best advice.
Call your nearest open veterinary clinic and explain the problem. Be prepared to describe to your vet how big the candle was, what type of wick it has, whether there are any metal, plastic, glass, or other solid parts, how much of it was eaten, and what size your pup is.
3 Ways to Stop Eating Candles
Stopping your dog from eating candles is a serious concern, as it can cause severe burns and other health issues.

There are three approaches to stop your dog's candle-eating habit, which we'll explore in more detail below.
The first approach is to keep candles out of reach, literally. This means storing them in a high cabinet or on a high shelf where your dog can't access them.
Supervising your dog at all times can also help prevent candle-eating, especially in rooms where candles are lit.
Redirecting your dog's attention to a safe chew toy or treat can be an effective way to distract them from candles.
Deterrents like citrus sprays or bitter-tasting substances can be applied to candles to make them unappealing to your dog.
Consider reading: Do Dogs Get High from Eating Weed
Why Animals Eat
Dogs eat candles due to a variety of reasons, including boredom, hunger, inquisitiveness, and habit. Some dogs will do it out of habit.
Pica, a condition where animals eat non-food items, can be a concern if your dog is a repeat offender. Your vet can discuss options to get to the bottom of why it's happening.
Dogs have different motivations for eating non-food items, and it's not always possible to pinpoint the reason. If you're concerned about your dog's behavior, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian.
Is My Pet Bad?
So, you think your pet is bad? They might just be trying to tell you something.
Dogs, for example, often exhibit destructive behavior when they're feeling anxious or bored. I've seen it myself - a dog will chew up a shoe or two if they're not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation.
Some pets can be naturally more energetic or stubborn than others, but that doesn't mean they're bad. A cat that's not getting enough sleep or is experiencing pain might act out in ways that seem aggressive.
Even seemingly minor issues like dental problems or allergies can cause pets to act out. In one study, 80% of dogs over 3 years old showed signs of dental disease, which can lead to irritability and bad behavior.
It's essential to identify the underlying cause of your pet's behavior, rather than just labeling them as "bad." By doing so, you can address the root issue and help your pet feel more comfortable and relaxed.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Is Christmas Tree Water Bad for Dogs
Sources
- https://petsafecandles.com/what-to-do-if-your-dog-eats-a-candle/
- https://www.caninejournal.com/dog-ate-candle/
- https://phoebestails.com/2015/01/18/my-dog-candle-wax-part-ii/
- https://www.hepper.com/my-dog-ate-a-candle-what-to-do-vet-answer/
- https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/are-candles-bad-for-dogs/
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