Re-printed with permission Authored by: Carlye Rose DVM, Dip. ABVP
What is Xylitol? Xylitol is a white, crystalline sugar alcohol that is used as a sugar substitute sweetener in many products. In the United States, the use of xylitol has grown rapidly over the last few years. It is increasingly found in sugar-free gum, candy, and foods. It is also available in granulated form for baking. It is popular among diabetics and those on low-carbohydrate diets. It also is increasingly being included in toothpastes and other oral hygiene products due to its anti-cavity properties. How is Xylitol Different in Humans than Dogs? In humans, xylitol is absorbed slowly and has little to no effect on blood sugar or insulin levels. However, in dogs, xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. It then acts as a strong promoter of insulin release, which causes profound hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). In dogs, xylitol can also cause liver failure, bleeding, and death. How much Xylitol is Toxic to my Pet? It takes very little xylitol to cause signs of toxicity in dogs. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has reported that dogs ingesting greater than 0.22 grams per pound of body weight of xylitol should be considered at risk for hypoglycemia. At doses exceeding 1.1 grams per pound of body weight, there is risk of liver failure and other more serious effects. It is often difficult to determine exactly how many grams of xylitol were ingested. Although the xylitol content is more commonly listed on food products, this is not the case with many chewing gums. In general, we estimate that one or two pieces of gum could cause hypoglycemia in a 20 lb dog. Dr. Terifaj notes: In comparison, approximately 1 ounce (28 grams) per pound of body weight of milk chocolate or 1/2 ounce per pound of body weight of dark chocolate is toxic to dogs. On a consumption basis, xylitol is over 100 times more toxic than chocolate! Chocolate contains theobromine that is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities. This is a xanthine compound in the same family of caffeine and theophylline. On average, it takes a fairly large amount of theobromine to cause a toxic reaction. Xanthines affect the nervous system and cardiovascular system. Symptoms may include: hyper-excitability, hyper-irritability, increased heart rate, restlessness, and muscle tremors. Most often, dogs don’t consume enough theobromine to cause a toxic reaction. Lesser amounts can cause gastrointestinal signs: vomiting and/or diarrhea. What are the Symptoms? What Tests can be done to Diagnose Xylitol Toxicity? Diagnosis is made on history of ingestion, symptoms, and blood work. Because of the rapid progression of the toxic effect, testing for xylitol in the blood is not realistic.
Dogs that develop acute liver failure may not show signs of hypoglycemia immediately after ingestion of xylitol. What other Toxins Should be Ruled Out? Other causes of low blood sugar should be ruled out (overdose of insulin, young or toy breed – related hypoglycemia, etc). In addition, many other toxins can cause liver disease (sago palms, hepatotoxic mushrooms, Tylenol ®, aflatoxins, other drugs). Dr. Terifaj notes: Aflatoxins are molds that have been found in pet foods that contain contaminated grains. Is Xylitol Poisoning Treatable?
What is the Prognosis? The prognosis is good for uncomplicated hypoglycemia when treatment can be instituted promptly. Liver failure and bleeding disorders generally carry a poor prognosis. Dogs that develop stupor or coma have a grave prognosis. Is it an Epidemic? “In the last few years, xylitol has grown from being a rare (or non-existent) problem to being a very common one. The dictionary defines epidemic as ‘affecting or tending to affect a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population, community, or region at the same time’…so… technically you can call xylitol an epidemic.” – Eric Dunayer, MS, VMD, DABT, DABVT; ASPCA APCC; VIN, 8/16/2008
Xylitol poisoning is preventable. Xylitol-containing foods or gums should not be consumed in pet-owning households. Dr. Terifaj notes: While xylitol products are safe for people, they are poison for our canine pets. What’s worse is that products that contain xylitol don’t always list it as an ingredient. Sometimes it is just called “sugar alcohol,” although that could also mean sorbitol or mannitol. The safest thing to do is to keep all sugar-free foods, and all foods that say they contain xylitol or “sugar alcohol”, away from dogs. Especially chewing gum! It is of utmost importance to read the labels on any pet or human products you buy — this is just one more example of why. FYI: Since fluoride containing toothpastes have come under scrutiny — as to their human safety — many health conscious folks have switched to toothpastes that contain xylitol, including myself. Since dogs are more apt to search out chewing gums, candies, breath mints and foods, than your toothpaste, this is less of a concern, unless your dog is brushing with your toothpaste!
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18 responses so far ↓
1 Susan // Apr 14, 2009 at 9:26 am
Thank you so much for this. I am on a list for owners of dogs with liver disease, and there have been several recent cases of severe poisoning. The dogs have survived, after a high level of veterinary care, but have liver problems as a result. I wish there were some way we could educate the general community. When I tell folks, they say, “Oh, chocolate is supposed to be toxic too, and my dog eats it all the time.” Your comments make it clear why this is so and why the word needs to get out.
2 Barbara // Apr 14, 2009 at 10:35 am
Our family is joining the campaign to educate on the dangers of Xylitol!!! It is now available in large bags to be used like sugar. Our family pet got into the bag. She has been given a 30% chance to live. The emotional and financial drain on our family cannot be described. We have reached out to our friends etc… and have yet to find anyone who is aware of Xylitol and the danger to dogs. There is little or no attention from the media…or the FDA! Every pet owner needs to help get the word out…fast.
3 Andy Whiteman // Apr 14, 2009 at 10:40 pm
I don’t eat sugarless stuff because because they are CHEMICALS! When my wife was alive, she had a reaction to NutraSweet. I havre no use for that stuff. I feed Red Dogg dog food and not my food. I used to share with previous dogs (meat only no sweets) but my diet is not good for them. I am forwarding this to friends with dogs.
4 Dr. Terifaj's new blog entry - Xylitol is EXTREMELY deadly! - YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community // Apr 15, 2009 at 2:57 pm
[...] Terifaj’s new blog entry – Xylitol is EXTREMELY deadly! Great article and info on Xylitol: Xylitol Poisoning: More Deadly Than Chocolate Be VERY careful if you have this sweetener or food/gum/candy with this sweetener in your home. [...]
5 Bill Benson // Apr 15, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Wow! I didn’t know. Thank you for the toothpaste awareness, as well: I know my parents brush their dog’s teeth with human paste….
Good and important information!
6 Denise // Apr 16, 2009 at 9:04 am
Thanks so much for enlightening your readers about the dangers of xylitol Dr. Terifaj! Such important stuff. As you know, I try to keep up on these very topics but your article taught me a couple additional things that I can now share with my Pet First-Aid Students…That xylitol is 100 times more toxic than chocolate (WOW!) and that it is sometimes disguised on labels as “sugar alcohol.” Thank you so much for providing us with this vital info to keep our best friends safe!
7 Reese Cooper // Jun 13, 2009 at 9:12 am
Thank you for putting warnings like this out there. My mom sent me an article several months ago, which I somehow remembered last night after my dog ate 1/2 pack of Stride gym containing Xylitol. Her possible ratio was 2 grams xylitol/kilo, which is lethal. If it weren’t for that article, I would have had no idea of the potential damage/death, and would have done nothing until it would have been too late. As it is, we rushed her to the vet right away, and I just got the call from my vet that after an overnight stay and aggressive treatment that my dog, Roxy, is going to be ok, and that liver is undamaged. Your article has saved at least one life. Thank you so much. I will be forwarding this article to everyone on my email list.
8 amy // Aug 30, 2009 at 8:06 pm
what about xylitol that occurs naturally in berries? I have heard that you shouldn’t give dogs berries, but then I see natural treats and foods that contain berries, and recipes for dog treats that contain berries. any info on this?
9 Dr. Terifaj // Aug 31, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Xylitol occurs naturally in small amounts in many foods – especially berries. The low level naturally found in fruits is not harmful to our pets. Blueberries are a favorite because of their many health benefits. Remember, the smaller the dog the fewer the berries!
10 Halloween WARNING: The sweet kiss of death for dogs! « // Oct 29, 2009 at 10:53 am
[...] Terifaj published an in depth article on the dangers of Xyliol several months ago on her blog, Dog-Breath. Here is what one grateful reader left as a comment: [...]
11 V // Feb 5, 2010 at 12:08 pm
We were devastated at the loss of our beloved springer spaniel at the age of 6 1/2 years. She had unexplainable liver failure. After reading this, it is plausible that xylitol may have been the factor. I vaguely remember her getting gum at sometime.If only we had known the hidden dangers of xylitol. I had never even heard of it before reading this. Thank you for your enlightenment on this issue, I will bookmark this website, and have sent this article to anyone I know Thank you for making us aware of the dangers of this poison
12 Johnye Saylor // Feb 5, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Thank you. I do animal rescue and this is very important. Thank goodness so many of us care so much for animals and will get this info out.
13 Carole Symons // Feb 8, 2010 at 3:27 pm
My Darling Furry Friend Toby A 35 lb beautiful labrodoodle died last Monday after developing severe Liver failure and internal bleeding after eating some Muesli Bars made with xylitol. The animal hospital that treated him said out of 10 dogs treated in the last 2 years with xylitol poisoning only 2 have made it home. Please be careful about putting food away and only feeing your furry friends with doggie treats or Meat, Fish, Poultry or vegetables or fruit you have checked out to be safe.
14 Samantha // Feb 19, 2010 at 4:40 pm
My dog just ate a pack of my gum, I called the vets office who told me to induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide 3%. He threw it all up. I pray to god he will be okay. Scary scary scary. Please keep your purses out of reach.
15 sherry // Feb 25, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Our little puppy who weighs less than 10lbs ate an entire double side package of excel sugar free gum. When I notice what she had done we rushed her into the vet’s, it took about 1hour to get her there. The only symptoms that she showed were: Very hyper (sugar buzzed) and was looking for water and could not get enough of it when i gave it to her.
When I noticed the change in behaivor, I try to find out what she could have eaten, only to find out that she ate the gum off of my daughter’s desk.
I had heard quite some time ago how dangerous gum was for dogs. After a hefty vet bill she is should be fine, we will no longer have sugar free gum in the house.
16 elizabeth // Mar 30, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Our wonderful Norwich Terrier Beetle, died on February 3rd of this year of xylitol poisoning. He would have been a year old yesterday. I continually replay the whole scene of him having the gum, the rush to the vet, the induced vomiting and IV fluids. Our actions still weren’t enough. Beetle’s death has blindsided us. One simply cannot have this product if you are a dog friendly home. It falls out of purses, gets chewed through pockets, recommended by dentists and doctors. Please tell all your dog peeps about this danger. Tell your trainers, the groomers, your vet, your dog sitter. It’s such a heartbreak to lose your companion to something as simple as gum.
17 erin // Apr 22, 2010 at 9:45 am
My little Chloe ate almost a whole pack of Stride gum and is currently in the local animal hospital
I LOVE her sooooo much and pray she is ok. she got into pocketbook somehow during the night and ate approx 11 pieces of STRIDE gum. They say she seems ok now & she is still getting IV fluids, some kind of charcoal stuff, and other meds. I am worried about permanent liver damage. Does anyone know how often or what factors cause liver damage even after you took them immediately to vet? I definately want to start getting the word out there to all dog owners!!
18 Joy // Jun 7, 2010 at 2:42 pm
I am SO glad I found info online about this. My 30lb German Pinscher ate an 18stick pack of xylitol sweetened gum last night. We rushed her to the vet and she is still in intensive care. Her liver is damaged and we do not know the long term ramifications at this point but we are lucky she is alive. Please, everyone spread the word about this. I never knew xylitol was so toxic! I will never have it in my house again.
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