Most dogs do recover even with large xylitol ingestions, but veterinary intervention is often required. Humans can safely consume it, but it’s deadly to dogs the same way alcohol or chocolate can be. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure or even death in dogs. Xylitol This naturally produced sweetener is found in many “sugar-free” items such as ice cream, candies, pastries, gums, yogurts, juices and more. If you’re unsure, but suspect your dog has ingested xylitol, watch for signs and symptoms, which can occur in the first 30 minutes of consumption. In dogs, xylitol stimulates the pancreas to release insulin. Interestingly, both in people and dogs, the level of blood sugar is controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. (In as little as 15 minutes, the blood sugar of a dog that has eaten gum containin… The compound doesnt affect glucose levels in people, but when ingested by dogs it can cause a dangerous surge of insulin. Within 15 to 20 minutes, they might even be comatose, she adds, and depending on the amount consumed, a dog can also experience liver failure from ingesting xylitol. Their bodies aren’t able to metabolize it the same as you and me, and as such is extremely dangerous for them. Xylitol Toxicity in dogs After a dog consumes a significant amount of xylitol, there is a massive release of insulin from the pancreas. How does xylitol affect dogs? If the dog lapses into a coma, the prognosis is very poor. Milk and Dairy: Even though puppies can drink milk from their mother, later in life dogs are essentially lactose intolerant. Chemically, it is a sugar alcohol, and found naturally in berries, plums, corn, oats, mushrooms, lettuce, trees, and some other fruits. In dogs, doses > 0.1 g/kg are considered toxic and result in profound, sudden problems. The prognosis is good for dogs that are treated before clinical signs develop, or for dogs that develop uncomplicated hypoglycemia that is quickly reversed. In many countries it has been approved for use in oral care products, pharmaceuticals and as a food additive. Xylitol is also showing up in over-the-counter nasal sprays, laxatives, digestive aids, allergy medicines, and prescription human medications, especially those formulated as disintegrating drug tablets (sleep aids, pain relievers, antipsychotics, etc.) In humans, xylitol doesn’t cause the pancreas to release insulin (and is even safe for diabetics, as it’s glycemic index is less than 1/10 of regular sugar). The higher the dose ingested, the more the risk of liver failure. Diagnosing Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs Your dog will undergo a complete blood profile, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a … Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar replacement with many health benefits, including the prevention of issues such as cavities and ear infections. Xylitol can also cause liver damage in dogs. No. Some brands reportedly contain as much as one gram in each piece. The "toxic doses" of xylitol for a 10lb dog, 30lb dog, and a 70lb dog are shown in the table and the picture below. That can lead to hypoglycemia, an extreme reduction in the amount of blood sugar. The first sign of xylitol ingestion is typically vomiting. As there is a large range of xylitol in each different brand and flavor of gum, it is important to identify whether a toxic amount has been ingested. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar-free products such as gums, candies, and baked goods 1. Some dogs ingesting xylitol at dosages >500 mg/kg (227 mg/lb) may develop severe hepatic insufficiency or failure, the mechanism of which is unknown. A substance called xylitol is making thousands of dog sick and even causing death, affecting more pets now than ever before, and it’s probably in your home right now. In some cases, xylitol can be deadly to dogs. Being lower on the glycemic index makes xylitol useful for diabetics or people on low carbohydrate diets. Xylitol is classified as a five-carbon sugar alcohol which has many uses. Since xylitol toxicity can cause both low blood glucose and low potassium levels, your veterinarian will perform blood work to determine whether these problems need to be treated. Yet thousands of dogs are accidentally poisoned by xylitol every year. An additive in dental care products, baked goods, nicotine gum, vitamins and more, xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs with symptoms ranging from lethargy to hypoglycemia. Additional information can be found online at, Lack of coordination or difficulty walking or standing. Xylitol is about as sweet as sucrose, but contains only about two-thirds of the calories. This effect is not seen in people who eat xylitol. That means it could take just three pieces of xylitol gum to leave a 30kg dog, such as a Labrador, seriously ill. What causes xylitol poisoning in dogs? Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance that is widely used as a sugar substitute. If liver failure or a bleeding disorder develops, the prognosis is generally poor. There is no antidote for xylitol toxicity, although treatment with sugar supplementation, IV fluids, and liver protective drugs are beneficial. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure or even death in dogs. It may be beneficial to a human diabetic or someone watching their weight, but it can be deadly for dogs. It is important to get treatment for your dog as quickly as possible. Interestingly, it seems that while some breeds are greatly affected by xylitol, others don’t have a problem, but more research is being done to obtain more information. Some brands of gum contain fairly small amounts of xylitol, and it would take up to 9 pieces of gum to result in severe hypoglycemia in a 45 pound (20 kg) dog, while 45 pieces would need to be ingested to result in liver failure. The most common source of xylitol poisoning that Pet Poison Helpline* gets calls about comes from sugar-free gum. The fact that xylitol is dangerous for your dog might make you hesitant to use it. It's innocuous for people, but actually severely poisonous to canines. Xylitol does not stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas in humans. Example products include sugar-free gum, candies, breath mints, baked goods, pudding snacks, cough syrup, children's chewable or gummy vitamins and supplements, mouthwash, and toothpaste. Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning develop rapidly, usually within 15-30 minutes of consumption. In both humans and dogs, the level of blood sugar is controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. At prescribed doses, these should not result in xylitol poisoning; however, if ingested in large amounts, can potentially result in poisoning. There has been less research on other pets, including cats and ferrets, but it … Why is xylitol toxic to dogs? Xylitol, a sugar substitute used in sugar-free gum, oral care products, and baked goods, is gaining popularity in the United States. Do not induce vomiting or give anything orally to your dog unless specifically directed to do so by your veterinarian. Higher doses (> 0.5 g/kg) of xylitol have been associated with acute hepatic necrosis. Commercially, most xylitol is extracted from corn fiber, birch trees, hardwood trees and other vegetable material. In dogs, xylitol causes a strong release of insulin, the hormone responsible for allowing glucose to enter cells. Xylitol poisoning can be fatal.It is one of the worst ingredients for dogs, outside grapes and raisins. It can cause low blood sugar and serious liver problems. Xylitol is a sweetener that's gaining in popularity because of its dental benefits for people as well as its suitability as a sugar substitute for people with diabetes. Untreated, this hypoglycemia can be life-threatening. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sugar substitute in many human products, including many dental products as it reduces the development of cavities and plaque. This occurs because xylitol may not be completely digested in the intestines until the digestive system adapts. 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