Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs

Xylitol is a low calorie, artificial sweetener. It is found in a variety of products including but not limited to sugar-free gum, nicotine gums, sugar-free candy, baked goods, desserts, toothpaste, other oral care products, and some beverages. Xylitol can be purchased in a powder form and used for baking at home.

In dogs, unlike in people, the ingestion of xylitol leads to a rapid release of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that causes blood sugar to drop. This inappropriate release of insulin may result in a quick and dangerous decrease in blood sugar. Xylitol can also cause severe liver damage or even failure in dogs. (Many substances, like xylitol, are metabolized differently by cats and dogs when compared to people. As such, it is always important to check with your veterinarian to ensure that a product or medication is safe for your pet prior to administration! At this time, the effect that xylitol has on cats is not fully known.)

If your pet has ingested a product containing xylitol, the best course of action is to immediately contact your veterinarian, an emergency veterinarian, the Pet Poison Hotline (1-800-213-6680), or the ASPCA Poison Control (1-800-548-2423). The onset of low blood sugar can be very rapid and may occur as quickly as 10 minutes after ingestion. In other instances, signs of low blood sugar or liver damage may take up to 72 hours to manifest. Monitoring for the onset of signs rather than seeking immediate veterinary attention is not recommended as both low blood sugar and liver failure can be potentially fatal. Once signs are observed, treatment may be less effective and serious complications may have already developed.

Signs of early xylitol toxicosis may include decreased energy, vomiting, diarrhea, a drunken gait, seizures, or coma. Later on, bruising and bleeding may be seen in addition to the above signs.

Treatment for xylitol ingestion varies based on the amount that was ingested and whether or not your pet has already become symptomatic. In pets that recently ingested xylitol and are not showing signs, your veterinarian may induce vomiting or you may be instructed in how to induce vomiting at home, before bringing your pet to the hospital. Additional treatment recommendations may include hospitalization, monitoring blood sugar and liver values via bloodwork, intravenous fluids, potassium, sugar, and phosphorous supplementation. If a larger dose of xylitol was ingested, some additional medications may be started to try and prevent liver damage. In dogs that are treated quickly and only develop low blood sugar, the prognosis is generally good. However, if liver failure develops, prolonged, intensive care may become necessary and the prognosis is guarded to poor.

It is always important to seek veterinarian advice if your pet has ingested xylitol. Interestingly, the xylitol content of sugar-free gum varies based on the brand and flavor. The xylitol content in other products varies widely as well. By contacting a veterinarian, the Pet Poison Hotline (1-800-213-6680), or the ASPCA Poison Control (1-800-548-2423) the appropriate treatment can be promptly initiated which will help optimize your dog’s recovery! Please call any of the 5 Valley EAC locations for advice anytime.

Osweiler GD, Hovda LR, Brutlag, and Lee JA. “Xylitol” Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Small Animal Toxicology.  Ames, IO: Wiley-Blackwell; 2011:470-475.

Piscitelli, CM; Dunayer EK, and Aumann M. “Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs.”Compendium. Feb. 2010, Vol. 32, No. 2.