If your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Do not wait for symptoms. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).
Why
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, mints, candy, some peanut and nut butters, baked goods, toothpaste and vitamins. It may also be listed as birch sugar.
In dogs, xylitol triggers a rapid release of insulin, which can cause blood sugar to fall dangerously low within 10 to 60 minutes. Larger amounts can also cause liver failure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns pet owners about this risk.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting
- Weakness, staggering or trouble walking
- Lethargy or collapse
- Tremors and seizures
- Signs can start within minutes to an hour
What to do if your dog eats it
- This is an emergency. Go to a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately.
- Bring the packaging so the vet can see how much xylitol it contains.
- Check labels for xylitol or birch sugar before sharing any food, especially peanut butter.
- Keep gum, mints and handbags out of your dog's reach.
Where does xylitol turn up besides gum?
The FDA lists a wide range of products that may contain xylitol. Some are easy to overlook because they are not candy. Anything labeled sugar-free or tooth-friendly deserves a look at the ingredient list. Dogs often find these in handbags, backpacks and coat pockets, or on a low bathroom shelf.
- Chewable and gummy vitamins, for children and adults
- Cough syrups, some over-the-counter medicines and melt-in-the-mouth tablets
- Mouthwash and human toothpaste (never brush a dog's teeth with human toothpaste)
- Sugar-free desserts, puddings, syrups and baking mixes
- Some nicotine gums and dietary supplements
Why a few pieces of gum can be an emergency
Veterinary toxicology references, including the Merck Veterinary Manual, report low blood sugar in dogs at doses above about 0.1 g of xylitol per kg of body weight. Liver failure has been linked to doses above about 0.5 g/kg.
The amount of xylitol per piece of gum varies a lot between brands, and many packs do not list it. A few pieces of some gums can reach the danger range for a small dog. That is why vets ask for the package and why you should not wait to see whether symptoms appear.
Why your dog may need to stay at the clinic
If the dog has no signs yet and ate the product very recently, the vet may make it vomit. If blood sugar is already falling, vomiting can be risky, so the vet decides.
Most dogs are then kept for blood sugar checks every few hours and given sugar (dextrose) through an IV to keep levels up. Liver damage can take longer to appear than low blood sugar, so vets often recheck liver values over the next few days, even in a dog that seems fine. Dogs treated quickly for low blood sugar alone usually recover well. Liver failure is harder to treat.
Common questions
Is xylitol good for dogs?
No. Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, mints, candy, some peanut and nut butters, baked goods, toothpaste and vitamins.
Is xylitol bad for dogs?
Yes. Signs of poisoning to watch for: vomiting; weakness, staggering or trouble walking; lethargy or collapse.
Are dogs allowed to have xylitol?
No, keep it away from your dog. If your dog eats some anyway: this is an emergency. Go to a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately.
Sources
Topic references
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Paws Off Xylitol; It’s Dangerous for Dogs.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs.