Xylitol & Pets

Beware of Sugar-Free Gum and Candy around your pets.

Most people know that chocolate is bad for pets, but most people are not going to be too concerned if they see their pet eating sugar-free gum or candy.  The problem is that sugar-free gum and candy contains an ingredient called Xylitol.  This is a sweetener that is safe for human consumption, but could kill your pet. 

What is Xylitol (ZI-luh-tohl)?

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol (artificial sweetener) created from birch, raspberries, plums, and corn.

What makes it so dangerous? 

While Xylitol is safe for humans and does not affect their glucose level, it may have a mild laxative effect if ingested in high dosages.  When ingested by animals, it can cause a dangerous rise in insulin causing a sudden decrease in blood sugar levels.  This can lead to acute liver failure and coagulopathy (the inability to clot the blood). 

Just two slices of sugar-free gum could send a 13 pound dog into severe hypoglycemic shock and 5-10 pieces could cause acute liver failure.

What should you look for?

Signs of Xylitol poisoning can appear within 30 minutes of ingestion.  Look for vomiting, weakness, uncoordinated movements, lethargy, and seizures.  If you see that your pet has ingested any sugar-free candy or gum, induce vomiting as quickly as you can and get your pet to the vet.

What products contain Xylitol?

While the most common items are sugar-free gum and candy, many other products also contain Xylitol.  Toothpaste, children’s vitamins, sugar-free baked goods, nasal spray, breathe mints, dental floss, and mouthwash.

I read a story online where a family’s dog ingested 5-10 sticks of sugar-free gum.  They rushed the pet to the vet.  The vet advised the family that she didn’t even know how dangerous Xylitol was until she called the vet poison control center.  Many vets are still unaware of the danger from this sweetener.

Some makers of sugar-free gum with Xylitol will reimburse pet owners for their vet bills.  The best thing to do is to contact the manufacturer of the product your pet ingested and ask them if they offer this service.  Especially since there is no warning on any of these products that they are toxic to animals. 

So what you need to do is spread the word to all of your pet-loving friends and make them aware of this danger to your pets.  And always remember…what may be safe for you, is not always safe for your pets.

Be Well & Be Happy

Pet~Pourri