Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

What to do if my dog ate candy wrappers and I fear a blockage?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | spayed | 13 years and 4 months old | 18 lbs

My 18lb Jack Russell ate a handful of candy wrappers. Is there anything I can do to help her pass this as I am nervous about a blockage.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 7th, 2018

Fortunately, these small wrapers do not easily cause blockages, but unfortunately there is nothing that can be given to prevent a potential blockage. It's also not advised to give anything like a laxative, because this can be dangerous in a potential blockage.

The only thing you can do is wait to see if it passes OK. Normal GI transit time is 3-5 days for such things. During this time you would just be waiting to see if she has any signs of an obstruction. Signs of an obstructions are vomiting, not defecating, acting very painful/depressed and a decrease in appetite. If you notice these signs, then Betty would need to go to the vet immediately for emergency surgery.

I hope that helps and all is well with Betty.

8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 19th, 2018
That's not good that Baby Girl ate a candy wrapper! Typically these do not cause a problem, and usually pass through the GI tract. It can take up to 72 hours for them to pass however. It is concerning she won't eat today, and I'm wondering if the candy wrapper is upsetting her stomach. Try offering her a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. If she eat this, then slowly add back in her normal diet. Should she refuse to eat this bland diet, then I would take her into the vet first thing in the morning. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog ate wrapped candy. What should I do about the wrappers?

You may see some GI upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea). Patriot should be able to pass the small wrappers in the next 24-48 hours. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite or abdominal pain. See your vet if necessary. You may want to feed a bland diet (boiled boneless/skinless chicken breast and plain white rice) for a few days.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog ate a large wrapper. What are signs of obstruction? Should I worry?

Most likely Jax will defecate out the wrapper. However, I agree you should monitor for an obstruction. I would recommend monitoring Jax at home but if at any time he is not eating, vomiting or acting lethargic I would take him to the vet for an x-ray of his abdomen.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy ate a paper wrapper. Will it cause an obstruction or pass?

It depends! Some dogs will do fine, others won't. If there is a vet close, I would recommend inducing vomiting in a vet clinic because if it comes up, then there is nothing to worry about! If not, then watch closely over then next 1-2 weeks for signs of obstruction, including decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, etc.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog ate candy wrappers. Should I induce vomiting or worry?

No they should pass ok. I would feed them so the wrappers get through the intestinal tract with the food. If they start vomiting or won't eat or do not pass stool the I would take them right in for an exam and X-rays. As long as they are acting normally it's fine to watch them and wait. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your questions about Luna and Mochi.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog ate vet wrap. Will it pass or cause an intestinal blockage?

Trick did eat a good size piece of vet wrap! Hopefully, it will pass through without problem, but I would monitor him to be safe for signs of obstruction just in case. These signs include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, and constipation. If you see any of those signs, I would take Trick into the vet right away. If he is a larger dog, it should pass without problem, but it's always good to observe him to be safe.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog ate a cream cheese wrapper. Is obstruction the only concern?

You aren't bothering me at all! That's what we are all here for :-) Other than the potential this wrapper could cause an obstruction in Stella, there's not much to worry about if there wasn't a lot of cream cheese wrapper on it. A lot of cream cheese could cause pancreatitis, but if there was only a little on the wrapper, it's quite unlikely to cause it. Half a wrapper isn't a huge foreign body, so it this will likely pass without problem. You can monitor Stella for signs of obstruction, which include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, and constipation. If you see any of those signs, I would take her into the vet immediately. It can take up to 72 hours for the wrapper to pass. Hopefully, however, Stella will be just fine.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy swallowed a plastic wrapper. What should I do right now?

Hi, if the wrapper has been thorn into pieces it will probably pass through his gastro intestinal tract together with other food. If it was a large piece swollowed as whole, there is the risk of obstruction and you need to monitor him closely for any vomiting or diarrhoea or straining to go to the toilet or abdominal pain. Hope this helps.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share