What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute commonly used in many products today, including sugarless gums, candies, toothpastes and is also used alone for baking. Although humans are not at risk for toxicity, dogs are very sensitive to the effects of xylitol and are prone to toxicity after eating this dangerous ingredient.

Because xylitol is a common household product, we often see it as the prime suspect in toxicity to dogs. Xylitol’s effects on cats and other companion animals are not yet known.

Side Effects of Xylitol Toxicity

Common toxic side effects include, vomiting, diarrhea and dose-dependent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) that is manifested as lethargy and weakness. In severe cases, seizures, collapse and coma can occur.

In dogs, xylitol is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and causes rapid hypoglycemia due to acute insulin release. This can be a life-threatening situation and in some reported cases, hypoglycemia can occur only 30 minutes after ingestion.

Overdose can also cause liver disease, blood clotting disorders, electrolyte imbalances and in severe cases, death.

Since Xylitol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream shortly after ingestion, toxic side effects can be managed most effectively if caught by the owner early on.

If xylitol is listed as the first ingredient on a product label, it only takes small quantities of that product to cause a problem. Example: a ten-pound dog can have toxic side effects by ingesting only a couple pieces of chewing gum that contains xylitol.

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