Did You Know... Some Sugar-Free Products are Poisonous to Dogs?

Xylitol is a sweetener commonly found in sugar-free products such as chewing gum, candies, toothpaste, and baked goods. While Xylitol does not affect glucose levels in people and has shown to be safe for human consumption, it is very toxic to dogs.

Xylitol causes a rapid release of the hormone insulin, resulting in a sudden drop in blood glucose. Signs of severe hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, include:
* Vomiting
* Weakness
* Loss of coordination
* Depression
* Seizures
* Coma

These signs can develop within 30 minutes of ingestion and, without immediate veterinary intervention, may lead to death.

Even if your dog seems fine after eating Xylitol-containing products, you should still contact your family veterinarian or an emergency clinic. In addition to hypoglycemic crisis, Xylitol can cause severe liver damage in dogs.

There is no antidote for Xylitol poisoning. Timely supportive care, including inducing vomition, hospitalization with intravenous fluids, and blood sugar monitoring, can successfully get us past the immediate danger of Xylitol toxicity. A 24-hr post-ingestion blood panel may be done to evaluate liver values and determine if further treatment is needed.

How toxic is Xylitol? It depends on the amount of Xylitol in the product and the size of the dog. Some reported 2 sticks of Xylitol-containing sugar-free chewing gum can cause hypoglycemia in a 10-pound dog and 10 sticks can do it for a 60-pound dog.

Xylitol poisoning is not a recent finding. A 2006 press release from the ASPCA and the AVMA warned us of the danger. However, most people may have forgotten about those articles and the media coverage that followed. This lack of public awareness and the increased presence of Xylitol in the market (i.e. sugar-free chewing gum, low-carb diet products, and toothpaste) have lead to the rise in Xylitol toxicity.

Don't let your dog be one of the statistics. Read product labels and keep all Xylitol-containing goods out of your dog's reach.