My Dog Ate Babybel Wax: Potential Risks and What to Do

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Uh-oh! Did your curious canine manage to get its paws on some Babybel wax?

While it may be a cause for concern, knowing the risks and taking prompt action can give this cheesy adventure a happy ending.

In this post, I want to share some of my experiences on what to do if a dog ate Babybel wax as well as the potential causes. Knowing them could very well help you prevent this from happening again!

What is Babybel Cheese?

Babybel is a popular brand of semi-soft cheese. These are individually wrapped cheeses known for their distinctive round shape. 

Many enjoy this cheesy treat as a tasty snack and is often a staple in lunchboxes and cheese plates. You can easily tell that the cheese is Babybel thanks to its red wax coating. 

Is Babybel wax edible?

Babybel wax is composed of food-grade paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, and colorings to give it its distinctive red hue. 

While these ingredients are generally safe for consumption, it’s important to clarify that Babybel wax is not intended as a food product. 

It is edible and may not pose immediate harm if eaten, but, it is still best to stay away from the wax and stick to eating the cheese inside instead.

Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Dog ate fish food

Can Dogs Get Sick From Eating Babybel Wax?

While Babybel wax can be considered non-toxic for dogs, consuming lots of it is not advisable.

Will it make your pup sick? Probably not.

But since wax is not digestible, eating a lot of it may result in gastrointestinal discomfort.

Some symptoms to expect are upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Look out for signs of distress and keep your vet on speed dial just in case the symptoms persist or worsen.

What if my dog eats Babybel cheese with the wax?

If your dog happens to munch on a piece of Babybel cheese along with the wax, there’s generally no need to worry.

It’s just a small amount that shouldn’t affect your furry pal. 

The wax itself is safe to eat, and a tiny piece is unlikely to cause any significant issues.

However, if your curious canine gets its paws on several pieces of Babybel cheese and consumes a substantial amount of wax, it’s important to keep a close eye on your pet.

Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Can dogs eat egg salad?

Why Does My Dog Eat Babybel Wax? 6 Main Reasons

If you’ve caught your furry pal munching on Babybel wax, you might be wondering why they’re drawn to it.

Dogs have their reasons, and understanding these motivations can shed some light on their behavior.

1. Stress

Some pets may resort to chewing and consuming non-food items like Babybel wax as a coping mechanism for stress.

The act of chewing provides them with a sense of comfort or relief during challenging situations.

2. Curious

Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and the unique texture and scent of Babybel wax may pique their interest.

Exploring and tasting new objects are part of their nature.

3. Chewing/teething

Chewing on wax can be appealing to teething pups because of its firm and malleable texture.

Gnawing on the red wax can provide relief to their sore gums. 

It helps them alleviate teething discomfort and satisfy their natural urge to chew.

4. Boredom

When boredom strikes, your dog might turn to chewing on things to entertain themselves.

In my experience, any item that’s in their vicinity is fair game.

If the Babybel wax catches their attention, they could chew on it to pass the time. 

5. Hunger 

Hunger could be the most common reason why your pet would choose to sample something.

If they are experiencing hunger pangs, they may opt to eat anything that they could get their paws on, even Babybel with the wax on.

6. Pica

Pica is a condition where the dog is compelled by a persistent need to eat non-food items.

In short, it is an abnormal craving for inedible objects. 

Pica can be caused by different things.

These can include insufficient nutrients in your pet’s diet, digestive problems, or an underlying medical condition.

Doggy says, you might be interested in reading this too: My dog ate a dryer sheet

What Do I Do if My Dog Eats Babybel Wax?

What you’re not going to do is panic.

Keep in mind that the Babybel wax is not toxic, your pet should be fine if they did happen to eat a small amount of the red stuff.

Monitor your dog for signs of distress 

Check on your pet and look for anything that could indicate they’re not feeling well.

My main concern is whether your dog ate something else harmful along with it.

If your furry pal starts throwing up, poops excessively, or loses their appetite, be ready to contact your vet.

Other signs to watch out for are lethargy and signs of having abdominal pains.

These could come in the form of excessive stretching, pacing, or whimpering.

Do not induce vomiting without professional guidance 

If the vet doesn’t tell you to, never make your pet throw up.

It may seem like the logical step since you’d want the wax out of your pet’s system asap, but inducing vomiting could make things worse.

This step should only be done by a professional or under one’s guidance. 

Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and appetite

In my experience, any behavioral and appetite-related changes could mean that your pet is in serious pain. 

That’s why it is always a good idea to watch out for signs that are related to these.

If your pet suddenly becomes a little more aggressive or refuses to eat, consider dropping by an animal clinic.

Follow up with your veterinarian if any symptoms or concerns arise

With accidental swallowing of non-food items, the usual course of action is to wait for it to pass through your pet’s digestive system.

However, if any concerning symptoms arise, contact your pet’s vet immediately.

They’re the ones who can effectively guide you on what to do next.

Signs of Distress if Your Dog Ate Babybel Wax

As I keep mentioning, it is crucial to watch out for signs of distress in your pet.

These signs can vary depending on your dog and how much wax they managed to consume.

Keep an eye out for the typical signs:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Refusal to eat
• Lethargy 
• Excessive drooling
• Changes in bowel movements
• Unusual behavior or restlessness

How Do I Get My Dog to Stop Eating Babybel Wax?

Eating wax, while not that high on the dangerous list of things your dog can do, can still result in some unsavory consequences.

It is best to stop this behavior immediately.

The key is to address the root of this tendency to eat non-food items like Babybel wax. 

Is your pet hungry? Then make sure to feed your furry pal enough good food.

Bored? Provide more mental stimulation. 

Here are some strategies to help discourage your dog from eating Babybel wax:

Training/commands

Teach your dog basic obedience commands like “leave it” or “drop it.”

These commands can help you redirect their attention and prevent them from reaching or consuming the wax.

I find this video to be quite useful:

Find out the cause of stress

An anxious pup may exhibit destructive or compulsive behaviors due to underlying stress or anxiety. 

Identify your pet’s potential triggers or sources of stress and address them appropriately.

For example, if your pet starts chewing on things when there are other dogs around, try some desensitization methods paired with positive reinforcement.

Chew toys

Give your furry pal a more appropriate chew toy.

This way, they can still satisfy their natural need to gnaw on something without the risk of swallowing something inedible. 

Pro tip: look for a chew toy that’s perfect for your dog’s size and breed. 

Physical activities

You’d be surprised at how regular exercise and physical activities can help curb any chewing problems.

A tired dog is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors.

If your pet is becoming restless and is showing signs of wanting to chew on something, take them for a quick jog around the neighborhood.

Attention/affection

Showering your pet with attention and affection can also help in curbing the need to chew on things, especially if your canine companion is using the behavior to seek attention.

Give them lots of pets and praise.

Play with them for a few extra minutes. The attention can also minimize some of your pet’s anxiety. 

Redirection

When you see your dog trying to eat the Babybel wax, redirect their attention to something else they can chew or play with. 

For example, give them a sturdy chew toy or a puzzle game to keep them busy.

By offering an alternative activity, you’re guiding their focus away from the wax and encouraging them to engage in more appropriate behaviors. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In Conclusion: My Dog Ate Babybel Wax

Although it may be concerning to discover that your dog has eaten Babybel wax, there’s no need to panic.

Babybel wax is non-toxic and generally harmless in small quantities.

That said, you should still monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort or digestive issues.

When in doubt, consult your veterinarian for professional advice and peace of mind.

Remember, prevention is key, so be sure to keep tempting treats out of your furry friend’s reach!

Got a minute? Check out these other dog care articles too:

• My dog ate a silica packet
• Can dogs have miso soup?
• My dog ate wax paper