Xylitol is toxic to both dogs and cats and should be kept well out of reach of all pets. Even small amounts can cause adverse reactions in some animals.
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, mints and sweets, some peanut butters, baked goods, toothpaste and chewable vitamins. It is sometimes listed as birch sugar. In dogs it triggers a surge of insulin that causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar, often within 10 to 60 minutes, and larger amounts can cause liver failure. A single piece of gum can be enough to affect a small dog. Cats appear far less sensitive, but there is too little evidence to call it safe, so keep it away from them too.
Vomiting, weakness, wobbliness, lethargy, trembling, collapse and seizures, usually within an hour. Some products delay the onset by several hours. Signs of liver damage can develop one to three days later: yellowing of the gums or eyes, bruising, black stools and refusing food.
Treat this as an emergency. Go to a vet straight away, even if your dog seems normal, and take the packaging with you so the vet can work out the dose. Don't make your dog sick at home: if its blood sugar is already falling, it can collapse. Treatment involves monitoring blood sugar, giving glucose, and protecting the liver, with blood tests over several days.
Data sourced from public ASPCA lists. For general guidance only. If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact your vet or an animal poison control center immediately. · Privacy Policy