Xylitol Is Harmful For Your Dog

Many people have little knowledge about Xylitol. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, but little dog owners know that the natural sweetener xylitol isn’t safe for their pets. Found in many types of sugarless gum, xylitol is also in other household products like mints, peanut butter and toothpaste. All dog owners should know about this potentially deadly ingredient.

What Is Xylitol

Xylitol, a popular artificial sweetener, can be deadly to your dog. Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance that is widely used as a sugar substitute. It is a sugar substitute and is commonly used in toothpastes, mouthwash, sugarless gum, certain cough medicines etc related products, children’s chewable multi-vitamins and a variety of nut butters. It also used in many baked goods and candies. This product is recommended for diabetics and those following a low-carbohydrate diet.

Xylitol is safe for human although like most sugar alcohols, Xylitol may have a mild laxative effect when eaten in large amounts or when first introduced to a diet. This occurs because xylitol may not be completely digested in the intestines until the digestive system adapts. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. It can cause for dog’s hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure or even death in dogs.

Why is Xylitol harmful

The effects of xylitol on your dog are immediate and can be very severe. Signs of toxicity can be seen in as few as 30 minutes, says the American Veterinary Medical Association. In both humans and dogs, the level of blood sugar is controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. It does not stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas in humans. When dogs eat something that contains xylitol, the sweetener can cause their bodies to rapidly release a rush of insulin, which don’t happen in people. This causes a dog’s blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels within minutes. If left untreated, the condition can be life-threatening.

Symptoms associated with xylitol poisoning

Vomiting

Weakness

Ataxia (uncoordinated movements)

Depression

Decreased potassium

Seizures

Coma

What Food is Xylitol Commonly Found

The Pet Poison Helpline has been working to identify products with xylitol as an ingredient. Here are a few of the more popular brands that contain xylitol.

Rx suspensions/melts (i.e. Neurontin, Abilify, Allegra, Mobic, RioMet, clonazepam, Emtrivia)

OTC liquid medications

OTC digestive aids (Beano, antacids)

Dental/oral care products

Nasal sprays

Nicotine gum

Chewable dietary supplements

Stool softeners

Barium liquid and pudding

Ice cream

Jell-O sugar free pudding

Energy drinks