Sugar-Free Gums & Candies Can Be Dangerous For Your Dog !

Xylitol is a sugar substitute ingredient commonly found in many sugar-free gums and candies.  It has also recently been added to some toothpastes.  If your pet is like mine, they may like to eat any or all of these things and are therefore at risk of ingesting toxic xylitol.

 

Xylitol is not harmful to people but dogs metabolize it rapidly in their blood, causing their body to release insulin and quickly lower blood sugar.  Signs of low blood sugar that might be noticed after ingestion are weakness, staggering, seizures, and coma.  Xylitol can also lead to liver damage and death if a high enough dose is ingested.  Other signs of ingestion/toxicity may include vomiting and diarrhea and these may be the first signs that are noticed.

 

**A TOXIC DOSE OF XYLITOL CAN BE AS LITTLE AS 1-2 PIECES OF CHEWING GUM FOR A 20 POUND DOG!!**

 

If you suspect your pet has ingested any amount of food or oral hygiene product containing xylitol please contact your veterinarian immediately.  If the ingestion has occurred recently (within 1-2 hours) your vet may induce vomiting to eliminate as much of the xylitol from the body as possible.

 

Although there is not a specific antidote, blood tests can be performed to see if any changes to blood sugar or liver enzymes is occurring.  Symptomatic treatment is started based on the severity of signs and may include: fluids with or without dextrose (sugar) added, anti-vomiting and anti-diarrhea medication, antibiotics, and liver protectant medication.

 

Remember to keep all products containing xylitol out of your pet's reach because most of them taste good to pets. 

Dr. Jodi Houser

Brandywine Hospital for Pets

Xylitol toxicity in dogs - AAHA Healthypet

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