Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs

Emergency Client Information

CRITICAL WARNING - Xylitol is EXTREMELY toxic to dogs - acts within 30 minutes

One or two pieces of gum can be fatal to a small dog
Causes rapid, life-threatening drop in blood sugar
Large amounts cause acute liver failure
There is NO antidote - immediate care is essential

What Is Xylitol Poisoning?

Xylitol is a sugar substitute safe for people but extremely dangerous for dogs. It causes a rapid insulin release that drops blood sugar to life-threatening levels. Larger amounts also cause severe liver damage.

Key facts:

Low blood sugar can occur at doses as low as 0.1 g/kg
Liver failure reported at doses ≥0.5 g/kg
Symptoms can appear within 30 minutes
No antidote - treatment focuses on glucose support and liver protection

Where Xylitol Is Found

Common sources:

Sugar-free gum, candies, mints
Sugar-free baked goods
Some peanut butter brands (check labels!)
Protein bars, diet drink powders
Toothpaste, mouthwash, nasal sprays
Some human medications and supplements

Locations in the home:

Purses, gym bags, handbags, backpacks
Kitchens and pantries
Bathrooms (oral care products)
Countertops and tables

Seasonal risk:

Holidays (Christmas, Easter, Halloween, birthdays)
Travel and gatherings when bags with gum/snacks left within reach

Signs to Watch For

Xylitol acts FAST - often within 30 minutes to a few hours

Early signs (30 minutes-1 hour):

Vomiting
Sudden weakness
Lethargy

Progressive signs (1-12 hours):

Loss of coordination (wobbliness)
Tremors
Seizures
Collapse or coma from low blood sugar

Delayed signs (12-24+ hours) - liver failure:

Yellow gums or eyes (jaundice)
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Bleeding problems

EMERGENCY indicators:

Vomiting with weakness
Disorientation or collapse
Seizures or coma
Yellow gums or eyes

What To Do IMMEDIATELY

Call your veterinarian or emergency clinic NOW
Bring the product packaging or take clear photos of the label
Note approximately how much was eaten and when
Do not delay - time is critical

DO NOT:

Wait for symptoms to appear
Induce vomiting without veterinary guidance
Give home remedies or glucose supplements unless directed
Assume small amounts are safe

Treatment

Decontamination (if very recent):

Induced vomiting if ingestion was recent and dog is stable
Activated charcoal not consistently effective, not always used

Critical supportive care:

Intravenous dextrose (sugar) to correct low blood sugar
Frequent blood glucose monitoring (every 1-2 hours initially)
Liver protectants: N-acetylcysteine, SAMe, or silymarin
Intravenous fluids to support circulation and organs

Monitoring:

Serial blood glucose checks
Liver enzyme monitoring (ALT, AST)
Bilirubin and clotting tests
Electrolyte monitoring

Hospitalization:

Most cases require hospital care
Duration: 12-24 hours for mild cases
Several days for severe liver involvement

Recovery Timeline

First 24 hours (critical):

Intensive glucose support prevents seizures and collapse
If liver values remain normal, prognosis very good
Close monitoring required

Days 2-3:

Continued liver function and glucose monitoring
Dogs usually regain energy and appetite

After 3-7 days:

Most dogs recover fully with no long-term effects if treated promptly
Dogs with liver involvement may need longer hospitalization

Home Care (After Hospital Discharge)

Medications:

Give all prescribed medications exactly as directed
Liver protectants may continue for days to weeks
Feed small, frequent meals with medications

Monitoring:

Watch for vomiting, weakness, or lethargy
Monitor for yellow gums or eyes (jaundice)
Check appetite daily
Note any unusual behavior

Follow-up:

Attend all recheck appointments
Repeat bloodwork to monitor glucose and liver enzymes
Timing typically 24-72 hours after discharge

Activity:

Quiet rest until cleared by veterinarian
Normal activity usually resumes quickly if no liver damage

When To Seek Emergency Care

Return immediately if:

Vomiting with weakness or collapse
Disorientation, tremors, or seizures
Yellow gums or eyes (jaundice)
Refusal to eat or persistent lethargy
Any concerning behavior changes
Unusual bleeding or bruising

Prognosis

With prompt treatment:

Excellent if treatment starts before severe low blood sugar or liver injury
Most dogs recover fully with early care

Guarded if:

High doses were ingested
Treatment was delayed
Severe liver failure develops

Long-term effects:

Rare with prompt treatment
Possible with severe liver injury

Prevention

Storage:

Store sugar-free products in sealed containers out of reach
Never leave purses, bags, or backpacks on the floor
Use secure trash bins

Check labels carefully:

ALWAYS read peanut butter labels - many brands now contain xylitol
Check ingredient lists on all sugar-free products
Look for xylitol in: gum, candies, baked goods, protein bars, supplements

Safe alternatives:

Use pet-safe peanut butter clearly labeled "xylitol-free"
Only use veterinary-approved toothpaste and dental products for dogs
Do not share human snacks unless ingredients confirmed safe

Educate household:

Teach family and visitors about xylitol risks
Keep gum and candy away from pets
Secure personal items that may contain xylitol

Common xylitol-free peanut butter brands:

Jif, Skippy, Peter Pan (regular versions)
Always check current labels - formulations can change

Key Points to Remember

✓ Xylitol is extremely toxic - even small amounts can be fatal ✓ Low blood sugar can occur within an hour ✓ Liver failure can develop within a day ✓ ALL exposures require emergency veterinary care ✓ There is NO antidote - treatment is glucose support and liver protection ✓ Check ALL peanut butter labels before sharing with dogs ✓ Most dogs recover fully with prompt care ✓ Prevention is critical - read labels and secure products

Common Products That May Contain Xylitol

Always check labels:

Sugar-free gum (most brands)
Sugar-free candies and mints
Certain peanut butter brands
Sugar-free baked goods
Protein and granola bars
Sugar-free puddings and gelatin
Some vitamins and supplements
Toothpaste and mouthwash
Nasal sprays
Some medications