Feeding jelly beans to your dog can result in serious health complications primarily because of the ingredients it contains.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Dogs already suffering from liver disease, guts problems, obesity, diabetes, or heart-related diseases are more vulnerable.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Puppies and older dogs may also find it harder to overcome the health problems resulting from the consumption of jelly beans as they are likely to develop more severe complications.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As noted earlier, the dangers associated with dogs eating jelly beans depend on the ingredients used.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Some ingredients may pose a little health hazard, others more severe.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Here are the ingredients in jelly beans that are the biggest threats to canine health:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Sugar<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As with most candies, jelly beans contain added sugar. It is its primary ingredient.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Sugar in itself isn’t toxic to dogs; however, too much of it can cause health problems.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Hence, the resulting effect of dogs consuming too much sugary content or treats are vomiting, diarrhea, diabetes, heart diseases, and unhealthy weight gain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Dogs that are overweight are much more likely to develop painful arthritis because the extra weight puts pressure on their joints and bones.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Aside from that, sugar also causes stomach upset, painful gum and is bad for the teeth.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Xylitol<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This artificial sweetener is often present in sugar-free jelly beans and other sugar-free candles.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Xylitol is toxic to dogs even when consumed in small quantities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Feeding your dog jelly beans that contains xylitol can result in hypoglycemia, a condition whereby the blood sugar level drops dangerously low.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Signs of hypoglycemia resulting from xylitol toxicity include vomiting, staggering, lethargy, seizures, drowsiness, frequent stooling, liver failure, and coma.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you suspect your dog has had anything containing xylitol, take it to the vet immediately.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Xylitol toxicity in dogs can lead to death if proper medical attention is not given immediately.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Pectin<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Pectin is a soluble fiber used as a gelling agent in jelly beans. They are not harmful ingredients in themselves.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Some veterinary products used in treating diarrhea in dogs include small doses of pectin.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

However, while pectin may not be toxic, it can cause constipation and other stomach complications in dogs if consumed in large quantities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Caffeine<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Caffeine is common in coffee, carbonated drinks, energy drinks, and some medicines.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

However, it is also common in candies, including jelly beans. They are added as a stimulant, but that doesn’t make them any less toxic to dogs. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Caffeine affects dogs more severely than it would on humans. Even if a pup has a small amount of caffeine content, it may suffer from caffeine toxicity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Some of the signs of caffeine toxicity in dogs include high body temperature, high blood pressure, restlessness, and in severe cases, seizures.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Caffeine toxicity also requires veterinary emergencies to save your pet.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The best way to protect your pet would be not to give it anything containing xylitol and caffeine in the first place.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n