CHEWING GUM containing XYLITOL CAN BE DEADLY FOR DOGS
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (24-hour hotline) (888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline (24-hour service) (855) 764-7661
As we approach the Halloween trick or treat season, a reminder of the evils of XYLITOL. Did you know that if your dog eats a pack of sugarless chewing gum, the consequences could be deadly? Sugarless gum contains xylitol, a class of sweetener also known as sugar alcohol, birch sugar, or wood sugar. Xylitol is present in many human products and foods and can have devastating effects on your pet.
If you think your dog may have eaten a product containing xylitol, call your vet, emergency clinic, or animal poison control center right away.
Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, followed by symptoms associated with the sudden lowering of your dog’s blood sugar, such as decreased activity, weakness, staggering, incoordination, collapse and seizures.
Gum isn’t the only product containing xylitol. Slightly lower in calories than sugar, this sugar substitute is also often used to sweeten sugar-free candy, such as mints and chocolate bars, as well as some peanut and nut butters. Here is a partial list of other products that may contain xylitol: Other foods containing Xylitol:
breath mints
baked goods
cough syrup
chewable vitamins
mouthwash
toothpaste
some peanut and nut butters
over-the-counter medicines
dietary supplements
sugar-free desserts, including "skinny" ice cream
In both people and dogs, the level of blood sugar is controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. In people, xylitol does not stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas. However, when dogs eat something containing xylitol, the xylitol is more quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, and may result in a potent release of insulin from the pancreas. This rapid release of insulin may result in a rapid and profound decrease in the level of blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Untreated, this hypoglycemia can quickly be life-threatening to a dog. In cats, Xylitol does not seem to be as dangerous due to the feline disdain for sweets.