Did your dog just eat the red wax from a Babybel cheese? It’s a common, surprisingly frequent scenario for pet parents. These wax-coated mini cheeses are popular, colorful, and unfortunately tempting to dogs who love to chew and explore with their mouths. But is Babybel wax toxic? What should you do if your dog swallows it? This article answers all those questions—and helps you take the right next steps.
Is Babybel Wax Toxic to Dogs?
No, Babybel wax is not toxic to dogs—but it can still cause problems depending on how much was ingested and your dog’s size. The wax used in Babybel cheese is paraffin-based, food-grade, and considered non-toxic. However, it’s not digestible. That means it can sit in the digestive tract or even cause a blockage in some cases.
So while you likely don’t need to panic, you also shouldn’t ignore it—especially if your dog ate a large amount or if they’re a small breed.
What Is Babybel Wax Made Of?
Babybel cheese wax is a combination of paraffin, microcrystalline wax, and coloring (usually red or yellow). It’s designed to protect the cheese and stay stable at room temperature. While it’s technically food-safe for humans to handle, it’s not meant to be eaten—by people or pets.
The good news? The wax is designed to be non-toxic if accidentally ingested. The bad news? It’s not digestible, and if it forms a mass or gets stuck in your dog’s intestines, it can lead to serious complications.
What to Do Immediately If Your Dog Ate Babybel Wax
Here’s what you should do right away if your dog ate Babybel wax:
- Check how much wax was eaten. Was it a small bite or the whole wrapper?
- Determine whether the cheese was eaten too. Cheese can upset some dogs’ stomachs due to lactose content.
- Don’t induce vomiting unless your vet instructs you to. In some cases, vomiting could increase the risk of choking or damage to the esophagus.
- Call your vet if your dog is very small, elderly, or has a sensitive stomach.
- Monitor your dog for any signs of distress or blockage.
Most medium to large dogs who eat a small amount of wax will pass it naturally within 1–3 days. But complications can arise, so close observation is essential.
Symptoms to Watch For After Eating Wax
If the wax creates a blockage or irritates the GI tract, your dog may show signs of illness in the hours or days that follow.
Warning Signs Include:
- Vomiting or dry heaving
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Straining during bowel movements
- Abdominal bloating or pain
- Unusual behavior, pacing, or hiding
These symptoms may suggest that the wax has not passed and could be causing an obstruction. If you notice any of the above, contact your veterinarian immediately.
How Long Does It Take for Babybel Wax to Pass?
If no symptoms develop, the wax may pass through your dog’s system in 24 to 72 hours. You may not see it in the stool—it could be softened, broken down, or wrapped in other waste. Still, continue to monitor bowel movements and overall behavior during this time.
To help things along:
- Offer small, frequent meals of bland food like rice and lean meat
- Ensure your dog stays hydrated
- Don’t let them eat bones or other hard foods that could complicate digestion
If the wax hasn’t passed within three days and your dog shows discomfort, contact your vet for a possible x-ray or ultrasound.
Can Babybel Wax Cause a Blockage?
Yes, it’s possible—especially in small dogs or if multiple wrappers were eaten. A single thin layer of wax is less risky than a large wad, but any non-digestible object has the potential to lodge in the intestines.
Higher Risk Factors Include:
- Small dog breeds (e.g., Yorkies, Chihuahuas)
- Eating multiple Babybel wax casings at once
- Pre-existing GI issues or surgeries
- Ingesting other foreign materials at the same time
If you suspect a blockage, time matters. Early intervention is often the difference between needing surgery or not.
Why Do Dogs Eat Things Like Wax?
Dogs explore the world with their mouths. That includes chewing, licking, and sometimes swallowing strange non-food objects. Wax smells like cheese, which makes it even more appealing to scent-driven dogs.
Common Reasons Include:
- Curiosity or boredom
- Scavenging or food drive
- Anxiety or stress behaviors (like pica)
- Opportunistic eating habits in multi-dog households
If your dog regularly eats inappropriate or non-edible objects like wax, socks, or plastic, it may be a behavioral issue—not just a one-off mistake. The Solve Dog Reactivity AutoWebinar can help identify emotional triggers, reduce anxiety-driven chewing, and give you tools to calm destructive habits before they become emergencies.
How to Prevent Future Incidents
If your dog managed to steal a Babybel, they’ll likely try again. Use these steps to prevent repeat incidents:
- Store Babybel and all wrapped foods in sealed containers or high cabinets
- Teach a solid “leave it” and “drop it” command to stop scavenging
- Supervise dogs around trash bins or lunchboxes
- Use chew-safe toys to redirect chewing behavior
- Limit access to kids’ backpacks or lunch bags
Vet Treatment for Wax Ingestion
If your dog does need medical care after eating Babybel wax, your vet may recommend:
- X-rays or ultrasound to locate the wax
- Fluid therapy to move the object along the digestive tract
- Induced vomiting (only safe in specific situations)
- Surgical removal if a blockage is confirmed
The sooner you act, the more likely your dog can avoid surgery or prolonged discomfort.
Should You Make Your Dog Vomit?
No—not unless instructed by your vet. Inducing vomiting after eating wax can be risky. If the wax is sticky or partially digested, it could block or damage the esophagus coming back up.
In many cases, vets will recommend monitoring, soft foods, and x-rays before considering induced vomiting.
Conclusion
If your dog ate Babybel wax, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. While the wax is non-toxic, it’s not digestible and can cause complications if it becomes lodged in the intestines. Monitor closely, support digestion with bland food and hydration, and contact your vet if anything seems off.
If your dog has a habit of stealing food, chewing non-edibles, or eating things like wax out of stress or compulsion, it’s time to go deeper than just “dog-proofing.” Watch the free Solve Dog Reactivity AutoWebinar to learn how to reduce anxiety-driven behaviors and teach your dog safe, calm alternatives that last a lifetime.