Dog Ate A Haribo [How Concerned Do You Need To Be?]

Have you discovered that your dog has managed to consume some Haribo? Perhaps the bag was left on the side; maybe you, or someone else, have given them a gummy bear or cola bottle (or two) and now you are concerned and worried. Regardless of how you found yourself here, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I am going to ease your nerves by giving you a rundown of what to expect, and what to now do.

So, what should you do if your dog has eaten a Haribo? In the majority of cases, there is nothing you need to do if your dog has eaten a Haribo. You may not observe any changes in your dog altogether. However, your dog may experience digestive upset if they consume Haribo in significant quantities, have a delicate digestive system, or are still a puppy. Veterinarian support may be required.

Of course, contacting your veterinarian should you observe a change in your dog’s behavior, or if negative symptoms were to arise, is never a bad idea.

Particularly if symptoms are severe.

In fact, getting this reassurance is generally advised; especially if you know that your dog doesn’t tend to do particularly well on ‘new foods’ or foods ‘off-diet’.

Nevertheless, let us now take a closer look at what to expect now your dog has consumed this sweet snack; before turning to what you should do in each context.

What Happens If A Dog Eats Haribo?

Most dogs will unlikely experience any side effects from eating a few Haribos, outside of a period of hyperactivity. However, the smaller the dog and the more that is consumed, the higher the chances of them experiencing negative effects. 

Nevertheless, even with this in mind, you will need to closely monitor your dog.

You are going to need to be on the lookout for changes.

Especially in their body language and toileting; when/how often, and what it comes out like.

That’s because Haribo, unlike some other brands of confectionary, is mostly made of sugar (or a sugar equivalent like Glucose Syrup or Dextrose).

Now while these ingredients are not directly toxic or poisonous to dogs, they do them no good.

Both in the short term and the immediate realm of time, and long term too.

In small quantities, you’re unlikely to notice any changes in your dog. Sometimes they may be a little more energetic (but not always).

In sufficient enough quantities (depending on the breed, size, and age of the dog), they can result in an upset stomach.

Generally, the larger the dog and the less Haribo consumed, the less likely ill effects will likely be observed.

But in small dogs, puppies, those who already have delicate digestive systems, or in large quantities, Haribo can cause gastroenteritis (upset stomach) – which could result in abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or vomiting.

This will usually resolve in time, but in such instances where you observe these symptoms, it is best to contact your vet.

Besides, you need to be particularly careful of other symptoms developing, such as dehydration and resulting hyperglycemia.

Will One Haribo Hurt My Dog?

It is very unlikely that one Haribo will harm your dog; even in smaller breeds. However, this does not mean that they are a good food/treat to offer and should be avoided.

This is not the case for all gummies, though.

In some confectionary products, even offering one can be fatal.

For instance, for brands that use ingredients such as Xylitol in their recipes.

Thankfully, Haribo as a brand does not use it, but others do. So be mindful.

Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and can cause adverse effects including seizures, liver failure, and even death.

Even in low quantities, such as one gummy.

So while one singular Haribo, should be okay (not ideal, but okay), for other sweet products this dose could be extremely dangerous.

What To Do Now Your Dog Has Eaten A Haribo

If you know your dog has eaten Haribo, here is the recommended approach to take.

Examine The Evidence

Firstly, it is advised that you try and quickly identify how many Haribo your dog has consumed.

It may not always be possible, but you can usually guestimate based on package size, or you may even know in the context of feeding.

Also, try to identify if any of the packaging has been swallowed too; as this could resort in intestinal blockage or other digestive issues, too.

You may even want to take note of the ingredient list of the Haribo product in question or keep it for your records.

In the case you do end up needing to contact a vet, it can be extremely helpful to relay to them how much your dog has consumed and exactly what.

Monitor Your Dog

Soon after, you are going to want to examine your dog and monitor them closely.

Look for any signs of illness, pain, or discomfort.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Have they been sick?
• Are they experiencing diarrhea?
• Are they wandering around frantically?
• Has their heart rate increased, or any panting?
• Are they now drooling?

Any drastic changes should result in a visit to the emergency vet.

While unlikely, they certainly are possible and you don’t want to take any chances.

Otherwise, if your dog appears all okay, you may be able to carry on as is (but keep a close eye on them for the next 24-48 hours).

Clear Away

Any remaining or easily accessible Haribo and other non-dog food items.

Put them away in cupboards, or safely out of the height or reach of your dog.

Call Your Vet

Should the need arise, contact your vet and relay any information you have managed to obtain (what and amount consumed).

It’s also important that you can advise the vet on other important pieces of information; such as their age and health status.

Only in rare cases will your vet need to further examine and provide treatment- and in such instances, you may need to take them in.

Finally

While a few Haribos here and there are unlikely to do a dog any harm, that does not mean this is a safe food to offer.

In fact, you should seldom do so.

There is no nutrition in these gummies, after all.

And in sufficient quantities (which range and differ dog by dog), they can result in negative effects, which have their own complications of their own.

For instance, diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can lead to organ damage and death.

In the long term, regular feeding of Haribo and other confectionary items can result in weight gain and obesity; neither is good for a dog’s health and longevity, either.

Ultimately, now your dog has eaten Haribo – monitor them closely, observe for any changes, and respond accordingly.

Whether this involves a vet or not will ultimately depend on how they respond.

Concerned or wondering what other things your dog can/cannot eat. Check out my related guides below:

• My Dog Ate An Oreo [What Do You Need To Do Now?]
• My Dog Ate A Brownie [What You Have To Do ASAP]
• Dog Ate An M&M [What Do You Need To Do Now?]
• My Dog Ate A Coffee Bean [Here Is What You Now Need To Do]