Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in many sugar-free foods, medications, and dental and beauty products. While the ingredient has many beneficial effects for humans, the sugar substitute can be deadly for your four-legged friend. Our Peak Pet Urgent Care team wants to raise awareness about this danger by providing information about xylitol poisoning in pets.

What is xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol derived from birch bark and corncob remnants from ethanol plants. The ingredient is commonly used as a sugar substitute because it has many health benefits for humans such as:

  • Low calorie — Xylitol has a comparable sweetness to sugar but contains 40% fewer calories.
  • Low glycemic index — Xylitol contains no fructose, resulting in little effect on blood sugar and insulin. Sugar’s glycemic index (i.e. the measure of how quickly a food raises blood sugar) is 60 to 70, while xylitol’s is only seven.
  • Dental health promoter — Xylitol helps prevent dental disease by killing a common oral bacteria that causes plaque. The bacteria use glucose from food to live, but they die after absorbing xylitol because they can no longer take up glucose.

Where is xylitol found?

Xylitol is found in an ever-growing list of products, including:

  • Sugar-free gums and mints
  • Sugar-free foods such as baked goods, peanut butter, ice cream, energy bars, pudding, ketchup, and drink powders
  • Chewable or gummy vitamins and medication
  • Liquid prescription medications
  • Nasal sprays
  • Skincare products and cosmetics
  • Dental products such as toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash
  • Deodorant
  • Lotion
  • Shampoo

Why is xylitol dangerous for pets?

Dogs process xylitol differently than humans. While xylitol does not significantly affect a person’s blood sugar, the ingredient causes a dose-dependent insulin release in dogs that results in a severe drop in blood sugar (i.e. hypoglycemia). In addition, in some cases, xylitol can cause liver damage whether or not the dog experiences hypoglycemia.

Similar toxic effects have not been reported in cats who ingest xylitol, but since the risk is unknown, you should avoid giving your feline friend any foods that contain xylitol. 

What are xylitol poisoning signs in pets?

Xylitol poisoning signs typically occur about 20 to 60 minutes after ingestion and may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Incoordination
  • Weakness
  • Stumbling
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Collapse or coma

How much xylitol is poisonous for pets?

As little as 0.045 grams/pound of body weight is enough xylitol to cause hypoglycemia, and 0.11 to 0.22 grams/pound can lead to liver damage. Sugar-free chewing gum is the most common cause of xylitol poisoning, and a 20-pound dog can experience dangerously low blood sugar after eating only one piece. 

What do I do if my pet ingests xylitol?

If you know or suspect your pet ingested xylitol, follow these steps:

  • Contact our Peak Pet Urgent Care or Animal Poison Control immediately.
  • Be prepared to relay your pet’s breed, weight, and age, as well as what signs they are exhibiting.
  • If possible, have the product label ready to provide information about xylitol concentration to help determine how much your pet ingested.
  • Do not induce vomiting or give your pet any medication unless directed by a veterinary professional.
  • Bring your pet to Peak Pet Urgent Care as soon as possible.

How is xylitol poisoning diagnosed in pets?

If you know or suspect your pet ingested xylitol, and they have hypoglycemia signs, xylitol poisoning is suspected. Our team will perform blood work to check your pet’s glucose and liver enzyme levels.

How is xylitol poisoning treated in pets?

Prompt treatment is critical to help improve your pet’s prognosis. Possible treatments include:

  • Induced vomiting — If the xylitol ingestion was recent, our team may induce vomiting to remove the poison from your pet’s system.
  • Dextrose — Dextrose helps normalize your pet’s blood sugar levels.
  • Fluid therapy — Fluid therapy provides cardiovascular support and replaces fluid deficits.
  • Liver protectants — We may administer medications to help prevent liver damage.
  • Hospitalization — Hospitalization is typically necessary so your pet’s blood glucose and liver function can be monitored.

How is xylitol poisoning prevented in pets?

Ways you can reduce your pet’s xylitol poisoning risk include:

  • Reading labels — Read the label before offering any food to your pet to ensure it doesn’t contain xylitol.
  • Securing guests’ belongings — People often carry mints and gum in their pockets and purses. Ask them to secure these items so your pet can’t get into trouble.
  • Using pet-friendly dental products — When brushing your pet’s teeth, use pet-specific toothpaste since human dental products often contain xylitol.

If you know or suspect your pet ingested xylitol, contact our Peak Pet Urgent Care team so we can provide the medical attention they need.