Can Dogs Eat Candy Canes? No — Peppermint Oil and Sugar Are Harmful

Check for xylitol if sugar-free. Monitor for vomiting and digestive upset. Call vet if large amount consumed or sugar-free variety eaten.

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Candy canes combine multiple problems for dogs. The concentrated peppermint oil at high doses causes vomiting, diarrhea, and CNS depression — though the amount in a single candy cane is unlikely to cause serious neurological effects. The high sugar content causes digestive upset. Broken candy cane shards have sharp edges that cut the mouth and throat. Sugar-free candy canes frequently use xylitol.