Did you know that a dangerous pet toxin is hiding in plain sight? Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute that can cause life-threatening complications when consumed by dogs. Once limited to sugar-free foods, gum, and candy, xylitol is increasingly used as an ingredient in everyday snacks and household products. Learn the facts about xylitol toxicity in dogs from Hearthstone Veterinary, and how to protect our four-legged friend from this sweet-but-deadly treat.

Where would my dog encounter xylitol?

Xylitol is a sugar-alcohol made from birch bark or corn that is celebrated for its low glycemic index, making the substance a safe and healthy alternative for people with diabetes and those wishing to lose weight. Additional benefits, including natural antimicrobial properties, antioxidants, and moisture-retaining abilities, have led to xylitol use in human hygiene products, including deodorant, toothpaste, and mouthwash.

Unfortunately, as new uses are discovered, the xylitol-containing product list continues to grow—all the while increasing your dog’s exposure risk. For now, the most common ways your dog could consume xylitol include:

  • Sugar-free gum 
  • Sugar-free candy, mints, and chocolate
  • Sugar-free baked goods and ice cream
  • Cough drops, multivitamins, and flavored medications
  • Flavored lip balms
  • Snack foods, including peanut butter, pudding, syrup, jams, and snack bars
  • Gummy vitamins and supplements
  • Human toothpaste and mouthwash
  • Hair and skin products (e.g., shampoo, moisturizers)

How does xylitol harm dogs?

When dogs ingest xylitol, their body releases an abnormally large amount of insulin, causing a significant and rapid drop in blood sugar (i.e., hypoglycemia). While hypoglycemia’s effects are often temporary, the condition is still dangerous, and requires hospitalized treatment and close monitoring. Additionally, liver damage or liver failure, which can be fatal, can occur in some dogs.

Xylitol toxicity signs may appear as quickly as 30 minutes after ingestion, or be delayed for 12 to 18 hours, so seeking veterinary attention for your dog whom you know or suspect has eaten a product containing xylitol is critical. Signs may include:

  • Weakness
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of coordination
  • Seizures
  • Depression
  • Coma

Are cats sensitive to xylitol?

Fortunately, cats do not experience xylitol-related toxicity. 

How do I know if my dog consumes a product that contains xylitol?

Xylitol should be included on the product ingredient list, but may also be listed under different names, including:

  • Birch bark extract
  • Birch sugar
  • Zylatol
  • Xylite
  • Anhydroxylitol (i.e., a common name on moisturizer and beauty product labels)

Pay special attention to products labeled “sugar-free,” “keto-friendly,” or “low-carbohydrate,” or that have a “low glycemic index,” as these often include xylitol. If you’re uncertain, contact Hearthstone Veterinary, or after hours, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center to determine if the product is toxic.

What should I do if my dog consumes xylitol?

If your dog eats anything containing xylitol, immediately contact Hearthstone Veterinary, because waiting for them to show visible signs may worsen their prognosis, and also because some dogs with liver damage do not experience hypoglycemia. For after-hours care, contact the nearest emergency veterinary hospital or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. When you call, be prepared with information about your dog and the product they consumed, including their approximate weight, an estimate of how much they ate, and at what time. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinary professional. 

What is xylitol toxicity treatment in dogs?

Treatment can vary, depending on the time the ingredient was consumed. If your dog is not showing toxicosis signs, decontamination is typically the first step. Inducing emesis (i.e., vomiting) can expel the offending ingredient or product before entering circulation.

Visibly sick dogs will be hospitalized for treatment, which will include intravenous fluids and dextrose (i.e., sugar solution) as needed to stabilize blood sugar, seizure monitoring, and blood work to evaluate liver health. If liver injury or failure is present, additional therapeutic treatments may be recommended to preserve or save organ function. Unfortunately, despite treatment, the prognosis for dogs with acute liver failure is poor.

How can I prevent xylitol toxicity in my dog?

Xylitol awareness is the first step toward protecting your dog. Understanding xylitol’s toxic risk, and knowing the products that could endanger your dog, can greatly reduce your dog’s exposure risk—and help you respond efficiently, if ingestion occurs.

Take the following steps to protect your dog:

  • Keep purses, lunch boxes, and bags out of reach — Travel bags are a common source of many xylitol-containing products, especially gum, candy, and medication.
  • Check the peanut butter — If you use peanut butter to hide your dog’s medication or for a fun treat, check the label—some less expensive brands include xylitol.
  • Purchase pet-safe sugar substitutes — Although sweetened products are not part of a healthy dog diet, if you require dog-safe sweeteners, look for:
    • Sucralose
    • Erythritol
    • Saccharine
    • Stevia

However, these non-toxic sweeteners may cause mild gastrointestinal distress.

  • Store medication and supplements in original containers — Dogs may be less likely to chew through child-proof bottles, but keeping everything out of reach at all times is best.
  • Keep counters clutter-free — Most pets can easily reach countertops, so return personal hygiene products and medications to a drug cabinet or drawer.

Don’t let sweet moments turn sour for your four-legged friend—know the hazards of xylitol toxicity in dogs, recognize where xylitol commonly hides, and respond quickly to an emergency. If you believe your dog has ingested a xylitol-containing product, immediately contact Hearthstone Veterinary. For after hours assistance, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.