Why xylitol hurts dogs
In people, xylitol barely moves blood sugar. In dogs it triggers a large, rapid release of insulin, and blood sugar can crash within 10 to 60 minutes. At higher doses it can also damage the liver over the next one to three days. Vets generally treat doses above about 0.1 g per kg of body weight as risky for low blood sugar, and around 0.5 g per kg as a risk for liver injury.
Where xylitol hides
- Sugar-free gum and mints (the most common source)
- Some peanut and nut butters: check for "xylitol" or "birch sugar" on the label
- Sugar-free sweets, baked goods, puddings and ice cream
- Chewable vitamins, melt-in-the-mouth tablets, some liquid medicines and nasal sprays
- Toothpaste and mouthwash
Gum is tricky because the amount varies a lot between brands, from a fraction of a gram to over a gram per piece. If you don't know how much was in it, assume the worst and call.
Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Weakness, wobbling, seeming "drunk"
- Lethargy or sudden collapse
- Tremors and seizures
- Later (12 to 72 hours): yellow gums or eyes, bruising, black stools from liver damage
What to do
Treat it as an emergency even if your dog looks fine. Call your vet or a poison line straight away with the product name and how much is missing. Don't make your dog vomit at home unless you're told to: if blood sugar is already dropping, vomiting can make things worse. At the clinic, the usual plan is to make the dog vomit if it's safe, check blood sugar frequently, give glucose by drip if needed, and run liver tests for a couple of days. Caught early, most dogs recover well.
For other everyday dangers, see foods toxic to dogs and signs of poisoning.
Frequently asked questions
Is xylitol toxic to cats?
Cats seem far less affected than dogs, but there is little data, so it is still sensible to keep xylitol products away from them.
Is birch sugar the same as xylitol?
Yes. Birch sugar is another name for xylitol, and it is just as dangerous for dogs.
Is erythritol safe for dogs?
Erythritol is not known to cause the same insulin crash, though large amounts can upset the stomach. Many products mix sweeteners, so read the full ingredient list.