How to Avoid Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs
The Xylitol Sugar Substitute in Candy, Chewing Gum is Toxic to Dogs
Nov 11, 2008
Xylitol toxicity is a fairly common source of poisoning in dogs, and unfortunately, few dog owners are aware of what xylitol actually is, where xylitol can be found and what happens when a dog ingests xylitol.
The first and most important step to preventing cases of xylitol poisoning in dogs is pet owner education on the dangers of xylitol in dogs.
What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a sweetener that's contained in many sugar-free gums, breath mints, candies and even a few baked goods. Xylitol is used in place of sugar, and it's most commonly found in "sugar free" chewing gum and candy products, which are the primary source of xylitol poisoning for dogs. Xylitol is the ingredient that makes gums and many other sugar-free foods toxic to dogs.
Why is Xylitol Dangerous to Dogs?
It's easy to forget about a package of chewing gum left in a jacket pocket, or maybe you or a guest leaves a purse slung over the back of a chair or on the floor - at the perfect level for a dog to explore and snatch any gum or breath mints that are stashed inside. It's scenarios like these that most often lead to cases of xylitol poisoning in dogs.
Xylitol is dangerous to dogs because it triggers a sudden release of insulin, which causes a dramatic drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), essentially throwing the dog's body into a form of shock. The dog's blood sugar can drop 50 points or more in the span of just 30 minutes, causing shock and liver failure shortly thereafter.
Xylitol is considered very toxic to dogs and ferrets, among others. This is, in part, due to the fast-acting nature of xylitol. A dog who is suffering from xylitol poisoning can be in critical condition well within an hour of when the dog eats sugar-free gum, breath mints or candy. This gives the owner of a dog who experiencing xylitol toxicity a very small window of time to take the action that's required to save a dog's life.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs?
The following symptoms are the most common symptoms seen in dogs with xylitol poisoning after eating a gum or candy with xylitol:
- Weakness and Lethargy
- Vomiting
- A Lack of Coordination
- Pale Gums (usually after the dog starts going into shock)
- Body Tremors
- Seizure
- Unconsciousness
- Arrhythmia or Irregular Heart Rate
- Liver Damage or Liver Failure
A dog who eats a sugar-free gum, breath mint or candy containing xylitol may also experience diarrhea within 18-36 hours of ingesting the xylitol, as this sugar substitute is reported to have a laxative effect in dogs.
What is the Treatment for Xylitol Poisoning in a Dog?
When a dog suffers from xylitol toxicity, veterinarians will have to take a two-pronged approach to the dog's treatment.
Firstly, if the dog ate the sugar-free gum or other food containing xylitol within the past two hours, the veterinarians will take measures to prevent the body's absorption of any additional xylitol. To prevent the dog's body from absorbing additional xylitol, the vet will usually induce vomiting in the dog and/or give the dog a charcoal-based fluid to absorb the stomach contents.
Secondly, a dog with xylitol poisoning will receive supportive care to manage the effects of the xylitol. Treatment usually consists of a dextrose intravenus drip to raise the dog's blood sugar levels and the injection of intravenus fluids or subcutaneous fluid injections.
Xylitol also appears to affect the dog's liver, triggering liver failure and even permanent liver damage in some dogs. So additional treatment and monitoring is often required to help manage the affect of xylitol on the dog's liver.
What Should I Do If I Suspect My Dog Has Xylitol Poisoning?
Pet owners should take immediate action if a dog eats gum, breath mints, candy or other items containing xylitol. If the ingredient list on the wrapper is not available to check on whether xylitol is an ingredient, visit the product website for information on whether the gum or other food contains xylitol.
Dog owners can also call the ASPCA Poison Control Center for help to determine whether a product contains xylitol. The pet poison control center staff can also help owners to induce vomiting at home, which is the preferred course of action in many cases, especially if the veterinarian's office is more than a five or ten minute drive. The pet should then be transported to the veterinarian's office for immediate treatment.
Visit the Pet Poisoning Resources Page for more information on what foods, plants and other items are toxic to dogs and cats.
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