Xylitol: A Danger to Dogs
The use of Xylitol is growing in popularity. It is extracted from trees and found naturally in certain foods (like oats, mushrooms, berries, and plums). It’s also used as a sugar substitute (in things like pudding, gum, baked goods, breath mints, children’s vitamins, gummies, and toothpaste). It
is better for the teeth than overt sugar and provides a low glycemic index (making it a mainstay for diabetics as well as those on low-carb diets). It’s also just as sweet and contains fewer calories. Recently, it’s begun to appear in a variety of medications, including nasal sprays, sleep aids, and pain relievers.
In people, Xylitol can be used safely, though large amounts might cause a laxative effect. In dogs, it’s extremely toxic.
Unlike some toxins where the canine must ingest large amounts in order to be at risk for adverse reactions, only small amounts of Xylitol can prove problematic. They’re enough to cause seizures, liver failure, low blood sugar, and, in severe cases, death.
The reason lies not in Xylitol’s ingredients but in how it works inside the body. When a human consumes it, the pancreas does not release insulin. When other species consume it (species that are not primates), the pancreas does release insulin…….and rapidly. This makes blood sugar plummet – in canines, hypoglycemia can quickly become deadly if it’s not treated promptly.
Dogs who consume Xylitol may experience issues nearly suddenly, typically as fast as ten minutes (most issues will begin in under an hour).
How much is too much?
As mentioned above, not much Xylitol is needed to prove toxic – illness has been reported in dogs who consumed as little as 50 mg per pound (little dogs, because of their size, are at higher risk than large dogs). The bigger the dose, the more likely the substance will damage the liver.
Chewing gum is one of the biggest causes of accidental ingestion. Different brands contain different levels of Xylitol. In some brands, the individual pieces possess low levels and a medium-sized dog would typically need to eat half a pack or so in order to cause damage. In other brands, the Xylitol levels are so high that only one or two pieces can be deadly.
What are the symptoms of Xylitol ingestion?
A dog that has consumed Xylitol will experience a rapid onset of symptoms that include weakness, nausea or vomiting, lack of coordination, lethargy, panting, sedation, tremors, seizures, or coma.
What to do if your dog ingests Xylitol?
If you suspect your dog has ingested Xylitol because they’re either acting funny or you’ve found evidence on the kitchen floor (such as a chewed up box of gum), call your vet or a pet poison control hotline (Pet Poison Hotline: 1-800-213-6680). Unless you’re instructed specifically to do so, don’t induce vomiting as that could worsen their condition.
There is no antidote to Xylitol, but dogs are usually treated with sugar, IV fluids, and medications designed to protect their liver. Dogs that are treated before symptoms develop or soon after they appear generally have a good prognosis. The key is reversing the hypoglycemia as quickly as possible.
Of course, the best course of action is prevention. If you eat foods that contain Xylitol, make sure they’re always kept out of reach. Be particularly cautious around puppies and rescues as they are known to eat just about anything.
JJ Keeler lives in Colorado with a house full of pets. She owns three dogs, two cats, and a hamster she bought as a bribe to get her daughter to ride the school bus. She has a BA in English Literature from the University of Colorado and has worked as a professional writer for fifteen years. Her clothes are perpetually covered in pet hair.
