Why Xylitol is Toxic to Dogs (and what to do if they consume it)

Have you ever heard someone tell you to check your peanut butter or yogurt for xylitol before feeding it to your dog? Xylitol is a sugar substitute that can be found in candy, chocolate, gum, and other sweetened products. While it’s completely safe for human consumption, the same cannot be said for our furry friends. Today, I’m sharing why xylitol is toxic to dogs and what to do if your dog consumes it.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is an alcohol that can be found in various plants. It’s often used as a sugar substitute in foods and household items such as:

• Gum and mints
• Candy
• Chocolate
• Toothpaste
• Peanut butter
• Yogurt
• Cough drops

Xylitol looks and tastes like sugar, but has 40% fewer calories. It can be used to sweeten sugar free foods and products. 

Why is Xylitol Dangerous for Dogs?

When dogs consume xylitol, it is immediately absorbed into their bloodstream. This is why xylitol is toxic to dogs and not humans. Humans metabolize the xylitol in a different way, so it is safe for our consumption. 

When xylitol is absorbed into a dogs bloodstream, it causes a large release of insulin from the pancreas, which then results in a decrease in blood sugar level. When a dogs blood sugar decreases below normal range, hypoglycemia occurs.

Hypoglycemic dogs experience symptoms such as weakness, tremors, and even seizures. If it goes untreated, liver damage can occur. 

What to do if Your Dog Consumes Xylitol?

Dogs who experience xylitol poisoning can experience a variety of symptoms such as:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Staggering
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures

If you suspect your dog may have consumed xylitol, and notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately. Xylitol poisoning can take place in as little as 10 minutes so it is important to get your pup to a medical professional as quickly as possible. 

Treatment for Xylitol Poisoning

Once at the vet, a variety of tests may be performed on your dog to determine the best route of care. Blood work will likely be done to determine blood glucose and liver enzyme levels. 

At this point your dogs care could include IV catheter or fluid therapy. If the xylitol was consumed recently, they may induce vomiting.

In most cases, the dog will be hospitalized overnight or for multiple days to be monitored until they fully recover. Dogs who do not experience severe liver damage are likely to make a full recovery. Unfortunately, if you discovered the xylitol poisoning too late, the damage may be irreversible. 

The most common culprit of xylitol poisoning in dogs is chewing gum. However, it can be found in so many foods and other household items. Keep an eye on the ingredients in the products you are buying, and always keep anything that is toxic to dogs in a safe place.