Being lower on the glycemic index makes xylitol useful for diabetics or people on low carbohydrate diets. It may be beneficial to a human diabetic or someone watching their weight, but it can be deadly for dogs. If you personally use products containing xylitol, make sure they are stored safely out of reach of your pets. This effect is not seen in people who eat xylitol. At prescribed doses, these should not result in xylitol poisoning; however, if ingested in large amounts, can potentially result in poisoning. If liver failure or a bleeding disorder develops, the prognosis is generally poor. Within an hour or less, hypoglycemic symptoms can become noticeable. That tragedy echoed an example which first reached us in May 2007 and reminds us that Xylitol has been known to be potentially toxic to dogs for a number of years now: While Xylitol is safe for humans, it can be harmful to dogs. ©Copyright VCA Hospitals all rights reserved. If dogs ingest xylitol, they run the risk of going into hypoglycemic shock. You can prevent xylitol poisoning by keeping items containing the ingredient away from pets. Keep in mind that there are some veterinary products that contain small amounts of xylitol (e.g., gabapentin medication, mouthwashes). It's innocuous for people, but actually severely poisonous to canines. With any poisoning, prompt decontamination and treatment is always warranted, as it's less dangerous to your pet, and less expensive for you to treat early! Xylitol poisoning can be fatal.It is one of the worst ingredients for dogs, outside grapes and raisins. Other symptoms include lethargy, collapse, seizures, and ataxia. Higher doses (> 0.5 g/kg) of xylitol have been associated with acute hepatic necrosis. In dogs, doses > 0.1 g/kg are considered toxic and result in profound, sudden problems. Minimal amounts of it can even lead to seriously dangerous consequences, namely liver failure, seizures and declines in blood sugar. Most dogs do recover even with large xylitol ingestions, but veterinary intervention is often required. In any case, dogs should never consume xylitol. In both humans and dogs, the level of blood sugar is controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. Although xylitol might sound a little like sorbitol, its effects on dogs are entirely different. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Some dogs ingesting xylitol at dosages >500 mg/kg (227 mg/lb) may develop severe hepatic insufficiency or failure, the mechanism of which is unknown. The dose of xylitol that can cause hypoglycemia in the dog has been reported between 50 milligrams (mg) of xylitol per pound of body weight (100 mg per kg). Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com. However, though xylitol is very beneficial to humans, it’s not safe for pets, especially dogs. Some brands reportedly contain as much as one gram in each piece. Fast and aggressive treatment by your veterinarian is essential to effectively reverse any toxic effects and prevent the development of severe problems. Example products include sugar-free gum, candies, breath mints, baked goods, pudding snacks, cough syrup, children's chewable or gummy vitamins and supplements, mouthwash, and toothpaste. Macadamia Nuts: If eaten by your dog, macadamia nuts can cause depression, vomiting, and hyperthermia. The first sign of xylitol ingestion is typically vomiting. If insulin concentrations are too high, blood glucose levels can drop to a dangerously low level (hypoglycemia). Milk and Dairy: Even though puppies can drink milk from their mother, later in life dogs are essentially lactose intolerant. Upon consumption, xylitol is directly absorbed into the bloodstream. Dosages of xylitol over ~75100 mg/kg (3445 mg/lb) have been associated with hypoglycemia in dogs. Untreated, this hypoglycemia can be life-threatening. Dogs that develop liver failure from xylitol poisoning often show signs of hypoglycemia. If dogs ingest xylitol, they run the risk of going into hypoglycemic shock. This rapid release of insulin causes a rapid and profound decrease in the level of blood sugar (hypoglycemia), an effect that occurs within 10-60 minutes of eating the xylitol. Though safe for humans to consume, even in large quantities, it’s extremely toxic to dogs. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. With other common brands of gum which contain 1 g/piece of gum, only 2 pieces would result in severe hypoglycemia, while 10 pieces can result in liver failure. It’s clear than humans can consume many foods that dogs cannot—xylitol isn’t any different. Commercially, most xylitol is extracted from corn fiber, birch trees, hardwood trees and other vegetable material. The … Interestingly, both in people and dogs, the level of blood sugar is controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. In humans, xylitol doesn’t cause the pancreas to release insulin (and is even safe for diabetics, as it’s glycemic index is less than 1/10 of regular sugar). Xylitol is manufactured into a white powder that looks and tastes similar to sugar. They don’t have the necessary lactase to properly digest dairy from cows for example, and therefore milk and other dairy products can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems. That means it could take just three pieces of xylitol gum to leave a 30kg dog, such as a Labrador, seriously ill. What causes xylitol poisoning in dogs? A presumptive diagnosis of xylitol poisoning is made if you know or suspect that the dog ate something containing xylitol, and there are symptoms of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemic shock can happen anywhere from thirty minutes after ingestion up until twelve hours after ingestion. Over recent years, the number and types of products that contain xylitol has greatly increased. Blood work should be monitored frequently to make sure that blood sugar and liver function remain normal. Why is xylitol toxic to dogs? Actually, Xylitol is more dangerous for dogs than cats. Xylitol is a common sugar substitute that can be toxic to dogs in even small amounts and it can be fatal. In dogs, xylitol causes a strong release of insulin, the hormone responsible for allowing glucose to enter cells. The higher the dose ingested, the more the risk of liver failure. Xylitol is Deadly to Dogs Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar replacement with many health benefits, including the prevention of issues such as cavities and ear infections. In many countries it has been approved for use in oral care products, pharmaceuticals and as a food additive. Xylitol is extremely toxic to our pups. Do not share any food that may contain xylitol with your pets. Xylitol is about as sweet as sucrose, but contains only about two-thirds of the calories. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, leading to hypoglycemia and liver failure. Hypoglycemia can develop even if as little as >0.1 gram/kilogram is ingested, according to ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. In dogs, xylitol stimulates the pancreas to release insulin. But in animals like dogs, xylitol quickly is absorbed in the bloodstream, which causes a potent release of insulin from the pancreas. In both humans and dogs, the level of blood sugar is controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. If clinical signs have developed, treatment will be based on the symptoms that are being shown. What makes xylitol toxic for dogs is the speed with which it acts. Treatment for xylitol toxicity normally involves hospitalization, iv fluids, and careful monitoring. Diagnosing Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs Your dog will undergo a complete blood profile, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a … In humans and dogs, blood sugar levels are determined by the amount of insulin released from the pancreas into the bloodstream. As there is a large range of xylitol in each different brand and flavor of gum, it is important to identify whether a toxic amount has been ingested. In most mammals, xylitol has no significant effect on insulin levels, but in dogs, xylitol stimulates a rapid, dose-dependent insulin release that can result in profound hypoglycemia. Since xylitol toxicity can cause both low blood glucose and low potassium levels, your veterinarian will perform blood work to determine whether these problems need to be treated. It is important to get treatment for your dog as quickly as possible. This occurs because xylitol may not be completely digested in the intestines until the digestive system adapts. We’re committed to keeping clients and staff safe during COVID-19 with NEW admittance and check-out processes. Though safe for humans, xylitol can be deadly to dogs and other pets. When cells take too much sugar from the blood (in response to increased insulin levels), the pets blood sugar can drop dangerously lowa condition known as hypoglycemia. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure or even death in dogs. Xylitol, a sugar substitute used in sugar-free gum, oral care products, and baked goods, is gaining popularity in the United States. Xylitol is safe for use in people, although like most sugar alcohols, it may have a mild laxative effect when eaten in large amounts or when first introduced to a diet. Xylitol is a sweetener used in many foods and products for people (things like certain gum, sugarless ice cream, candy). This, in turn, results in a dangerously low blood sugar level and symptoms such as weakness, trembling, seizures, collapse, and even death. However, though xylitol is very beneficial to humans, it’s not safe for pets, especially dogs. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. If you’re unsure, but suspect your dog has ingested xylitol, watch for signs and symptoms, which can occur in the first 30 minutes of consumption. If you suspect that your pet has eaten a xylitol-containing product, please contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) immediately. If the dog lapses into a coma, the prognosis is very poor. No. The toxicity of xylitol for cats and other species is not documented at this time, although there has been some concern that other non-primate species (e.g., cats, ferrets, etc.) There has been less research on other pets, including cats and ferrets, but it … Why Xylitol Is Dangerous to Dogs. There is no antidote for xylitol toxicity, although treatment with sugar supplementation, IV fluids, and liver protective drugs are beneficial. Some brands of gum contain fairly small amounts of xylitol, and it would take up to 9 pieces of gum to result in severe hypoglycemia in a 45 pound (20 kg) dog, while 45 pieces would need to be ingested to result in liver failure. A substance called xylitol is making thousands of dog sick and even causing death, affecting more pets now than ever before, and it’s probably in your home right now. If your dog has ingested xylitol, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center immediately. Xylitol can also cause liver damage in dogs. The ingestion of xylitol or xylitol-containing products causes a rapid release of the hormone insulin, causing a sudden decrease in the dog's blood glucose. Additional information can be found online at, Lack of coordination or difficulty walking or standing. Since toxicity develops rapidly, your veterinarian will not wait for a confirmed diagnosis before beginning treatment. Emergency Situations, Medical Conditions, Others, Pet Services. In severe cases, liver cells can die in large numbers, and the pet may develo… It can cause low blood sugar and serious liver problems. Brutlag says ingesting xylitol causes a rapid and massive insulin release in dogs, which will manifest itself outwardly to a pet owner as acute weakness, staggering, and vomiting. Insulin is a hormone that helps the bodys cells take glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream and use it for cellular functioning. In all cases, your dog will require hospitalization for blood sugar monitoring, dextrose administration, intravenous fluids, liver protectants, and any other supportive care that may be needed. Xylitol is safe for people, but because people have different metabolisms then animals, xylitol can be fatal for cats and dogs. With xylitol poisoning, it is imperative to calculate whether a toxic dose has been ingested. (In as little as 15 minutes, the blood sugar of a dog that has eaten gum containin… In people and rats, xylitol is absorbed slowly (which increases the risk of osmotic diarrhea associated with excess sugar-alcohol ingestion); between 49% and 95% of oral xylitol is absorbed by people.4,5 In dogs, xylitol is rapidly and almost completely absorbed, with peak plasma concentrations occurring at about 30 minutes.6 Xylitol is also showing up in over-the-counter nasal sprays, laxatives, digestive aids, allergy medicines, and prescription human medications, especially those formulated as disintegrating drug tablets (sleep aids, pain relievers, antipsychotics, etc.) However, there are many foods humans are capable of consuming that are dangerous for dogs to eat. If your dog has just eaten xylitol but has not yet developed any clinical signs, your veterinarian may induce vomiting to prevent further absorption, depending on what your dog's blood glucose level is. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sugar substitute in many human products, including many dental products as it reduces the development of cavities and plaque. Xylitol in dogs results in rapid release of insulin by the pancreas leading to a rapid decline in blood sugar level in dogs causing … The compound doesnt affect glucose levels in people, but when ingested by dogs it can cause a dangerous surge of insulin. However, when non-primate species like dogs eat something containing xylitol, the xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in a potent release of insulin from the pancreas. Learn more. Chemically, it is a sugar alcohol, and found naturally in berries, plums, corn, oats, mushrooms, lettuce, trees, and some other fruits. 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