Dog Ate Babybel Wax [Is There Anything You Need To Do]

Have you just watched your dog steal babybel wax off the side before proceeding to swallow it whole? Yikes! You’re concerned right? But do you need to be? And is there anything you now need to do to keep them safe? Well, here are the answers to all of these questions and much more.

So, what should you do if your dog ate Babybel wax? If your dog has eaten Babybel wax, it is best to keep a close eye on him. Babybel wax isn’t toxic to dogs, but large pieces can cause potential problems if they get stuck in your dog’s digestive tract. You’ll need to know the signs of intestinal blockage so that you can get your dog to the vet immediately if you have to.

The only other concern is choking – but you should know already by now if your dog is suffering with that.

Coughing, wheezing, gagging and salvation will likely occur.

And in those cases, you’re going to need go call the emergency vet. And swiftly.

In most contexts though, this shouldn’t happen.

For the most part, if your dog has swallowed babybel wax there is nothing you will need to do but sit tight.

And keep an eye on your dog for any changes, of course.

That’s when you may need to act.

But if you know your dog has only eaten a small piece; or you have managed to retrieve most of it from their mouth before they got the chance to swallow it – chances are you’ll both be okay.

Phew.

Nevertheless let us continue to explore the potential dangers and the most appropriate responses in each context (and should the worst case scenario happen).

What Happens If A Dog Eats Babybel Wax?

Most of the time, nothing particular will happen if your dog eats Babybel wax. The wax wrapper is small and unlikely to cause choking or a blockage. If your dog eats a lot of Babybel wax at one time, though, an intestinal blockage can result.

Wax can be difficult for your dog’s stomach to break down, even with a dog’s tough stomach acid.

Soy (which babybel wax is mostly made out of) is the softest wax and is the easiest to pass through your dog’s digestive tract. Although the wax in Babybel wrappers will also typically soften as it passes through your dog’s intestines.

Most of the wax that your dog has eaten will pass through his system within two days, provided your dog hasn’t eaten too much at one time.

If your dog eats a hefty amount of wax at one time, this is where problems can occur.

The wax can get stuck in the throat and cause choking.

If the wax manages to get down your dog’s throat but forms a large lump in his stomach, it can cause a stomach or intestinal blockage, which can be fatal.

If your dog is a small breed, he’s at a greater risk of intestinal blockage.

Most of the time, though, there’s no cause for concern: your dog has most likely chewed up the wax to get to the cheese!

Is Babybel cheese wax harmful to dogs

Babybel cheese wax is non-toxic to dogs, but it’s not digestible. If ingested in large amounts, it could cause intestinal blockages.

The amount required to cause a blockage can vary.

A small piece may pass through a large dog without issue but could obstruct a smaller breed or puppy. Breed, age, and individual health play roles in this:

• Breed/Size: Smaller breeds have narrower digestive tracts. What may pass easily through a large dog, like a Labrador, could block a smaller dog like a Chihuahua.
• Age: Puppies, with their naturally smaller size and inquisitiveness, may be more prone to consuming foreign objects and consequently face higher risks of blockages. Older dogs might have slower digestive systems, potentially increasing blockage risks.
• Individual Health: Dogs with existing gastrointestinal issues may be more susceptible to blockages or complications from indigestible materials.

Is Babybel Wax Poisonous For Dogs?

Most waxes you can find in your home – including Babybel wax – are made of paraffin, beeswax, and soy. None of these wax ingredients are toxic to dogs. The ingredients in Babybel wax are non-toxic and have been approved by the FDA, although the wax isn’t meant for eating.

Paraffin is often used as an ingredient to raise the melting point of chocolate (and candles.)

Unlike paraffin, however, chocolate is highly toxic to dogs.

Better your dog eat Babybel wax than a piece of chocolate!

Here’s what Bel Brands has to say about the composition of Babybel wax and its safety for consumption:

“Our is composed of fully refined paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, and a low percentage of Polyethylene. It is colored with varying pigments, depending on which flavor of our cheese it will coat: if the wax is red, it contains red dye #40.”

“The wax is GRAS , “Generally Recognized As Safe” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and it meets all of their requirements in regards to wax that covers or contacts food…While we do not recommend eating the wax, if a person or pet accidentally consumes the wax, there will be no harmful effects.”

What If My Dog Eats Babybel Cheese With The Wax?

If your dog eats some of the Babybel cheese as well as the wax, you will want to monitor your dog. Depending on the amount, the cheese can actually be more harmful than the wax!

While cheese has calcium and other vitamins that are beneficial for dogs, the milk fats in cheese are difficult for dogs to digest.

Most dogs are lactose intolerant.

Even though cheese has less lactose than whole milk, dogs who are severely intolerant can get diarrhea from eating cheese.

Babybel cheese is also high in fat (around 27%), so your dog can quickly gain weight if they continue to eat this food consistently over time.

Excess weight gain is linked to pancreatitis, which can be fatal – not to mention other health problems with obesity.

If you want to treat your dog with a bit of cheese occasionally, try a low-fat cheese such as cottage cheese or mozzarella.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Babybel Wax

The best thing to do if your dog eats Babybel wax is to monitor him. You can check his feces over the next few days for any signs of red wax. If your dog develops problems, you’ll have to take him to the vet.

What You Can Do Yourself

If you want to speed up the passage of the wax through your dog’s digestive tract, you can:

• Give your dog 2 or 3 teaspoons of pumpkin paste (plain, with no added sugar), or pumpkin-flavored baby food
• Keep your dog hydrated
• Try massaging your dog’s stomach in a clockwise motion

Whether your dog has ingested a small or large amount of Babybel wax, keep a lookout for any of the following symptoms:

• Stomach bloating or pain (a blockage can press on the intestines. This can be quite painful for your dog and his intestine could rupture or become inflamed, leading to peritonitis)
• Constipation or diarrhea (your dog may have a partial blockage where fluid can get around the blockage but solid feces can’t)
• Lethargy
• Trouble breathing or choking (if your dog is choking and can’t breathe, you can try to alleviate the problem yourself in an emergency)
• Heavy panting
• Vomiting (this can lead to severe dehydration)
• Not eating or drinking (a dog will try to keep eating but will quickly stop if there’s a blockage)
• Pacing, whining, or other visible signs of distress

If you see any of the above signs, get your dog to the vet for a checkup.

Any kind of intestinal blockage must be seen to immediately, as it can be fatal.

The good news is that most dogs who are seen to quickly for an intestinal blockage can make a full recovery.

When To Contact A Vet

Contact a vet if a dog shows signs of distress, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or constipation after eating Babybel wax.

What Your Vet Will Do

If your dog has developed an intestinal blockage, your vet will do several things depending on what’s needed:

• Induce vomiting. Your vet may get your dog to vomit if he suspects the wax can come back up without blocking your dog’s throat (in most cases, it will be too late for this). There’s a short window of 30 minutes to 2 hours within which vomiting may be possible as an option.
• Do a thorough physical examination to see if they can feel the obstruction. X-rays may be needed.
• If the X-ray is inconclusive, your vet may do an ultrasound on your dog’s abdomen.
• Surgery may be required: your vet may admit your dog into the hospital to provide IV fluids and medication for pain or nausea.

Note: Sometimes, sections of the intestine may need to be removed in addition to the wax. Fortunately, this isn’t necessary most of the time, as the wax won’t stick to the intestinal wall.

Usually, your dog will need to remain in the hospital for 1 to 2 days on IV fluids if he’s had surgery.

As soon as he starts eating again, he’ll be able to return home.

After any kind of abdominal surgery, your dog will usually need 10 to 14 days of rest and reduced physical activity to heal.

Hopefully, surgery won’t be necessary.

The costs can vary widely depending on the severity of the blockage and where you live.

The cost for abdominal surgery for dogs ranges widely: from $800 to $7,000!

This is why you need to be so proactive and quick to get your dog seen or examined by a vet, should you be concerned or they start to exhibit negative symptoms.

How To Stop Your Dog From Eating Babybel Wax

Prevention is often the best remedy to avoid your dog eating Babybel wax. After all, anything that is a potential problem is best avoided.

There are several things you can do to keep your dog away from Babybel wax (as well as the cheese):

• Lock away – Keep Babybel cheese and other things your dog is tempted to munch on in the refrigerator or other closed (or locked) places.Other items that can’t be locked away can be placed up high out of your dog’s reach.
• Some people keep a dog in a crate (a large one that he sees as a safe space) when they are out. Don’t keep him in a crate for more than a few hours, though. Alternatively, you can have a ‘safe room’ in your home with all dangerous objects removed.
• Offer your dog other tasty treats as alternatives. You could use food puzzles that will be highly rewarding for your dog. Try a Kong toy or similar that’s been stuffed with nut butter or a low-fat soft cheese (like cottage cheese or mozzarella, as we mentioned earlier. Some cheeses are extra harmful to dogs).
• If your dog is highly curious and enjoys exploring, hide pieces of kibble throughout your house. Your dog will enjoy going on a food hunt!

Finally

Try not to panic.

In most cases, dogs are able to safely digest and pass Babybel wax in a matter of days.

But not all dogs.

Particularly younger dogs, smaller breeds and those with digestive issues already.

The best thing you can do is ensure your dog is not cooking and then keep a close eye on them.

If in doubt contact a vet; just as you would if you noticed your dog was to go downhill.

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

• My Dog Ate A Rubber Band
• My Dog Ate A Napkin
• My Dog Ate A Scrunchie
• Dog Ate Toy Stuffing
• Dog Ate Play-Doh
• Dog Ate Cling Film