Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual
Signs can appear within 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the candy's ingredients. For xylitol in sugar-free candy, symptoms like vomiting, weakness, wobbliness, and collapse from low blood sugar can begin in under an hour. For chocolate or other toxic ingredients, vomiting, restlessness, and rapid heart rate may take a few hours to show. The timing is fast and dangerous, so if you suspect your dog ate any candy, especially sugar-free, call your vet or the ASPCA poison line at 888-426-4435 immediately — do not wait for symptoms.
Do not feed · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page
Sugar-free candy is the worst case — xylitol causes rapid, life-threatening hypoglycaemia in dogs.
The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Candy food facts page.