Is Xylitol Harmful to Dogs?
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that's in many sugarless products. While it's harmless to humans, xylitol can quickly sicken or even kill a dog. Fast action is necessary to save the animal if it shows signs of xylitol poisoning.
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Product Types
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Items containing xylitol include sugar-free chewing gum and candy, sugar substitutes, toothpaste and nasal washes.
Effects
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Xylitol causes a dog's blood sugar to drop and can damage the animal's liver. According to the Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, just two sticks of chewing gum made with xylitol could be enough to harm a 20-pound dog.
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Symptoms
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Signs of xylitol poisoning include depression, weakness, lack of coordination and seizures. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says these symptoms can begin less than 30 minutes after xylitol ingestion. Sometimes they don't appear for up to 12 hours.
Treatment
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Contact a veterinarian immediately. OSU says the vet might induce vomiting if treatment begins within two hours after the dog ate the xylitol product. Correcting low blood sugar usually requires the injection of glucose into a vein, possibly for up to 72 hours. If liver failure develops, it's hard to reverse.
Prevention
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Keep products made with xylitol out of a dog's reach. Know how to quickly contact a vet or after-hours veterinary hospital should xylitol ingestion occur.
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