Can dogs eat xylitol?
Xylitol (birch sugar) is extremely toxic to dogs. Even tiny amounts can cause a rapid, life-threatening drop in blood sugar and liver failure.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in many products including sugar-free gum, candy, peanut butter, baked goods, toothpaste, and some medications. It is one of the most dangerous substances a dog can ingest.
In dogs, xylitol triggers a massive release of insulin from the pancreas, causing blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels (hypoglycemia) within 10-60 minutes. Higher doses can also cause acute liver failure, which may not become apparent for 12-48 hours.
The toxic dose is extremely low — as little as 0.1 grams per kilogram of body weight can cause hypoglycemia, and 0.5 grams per kilogram can cause liver failure. A single piece of sugar-free gum can contain 0.3-1.5 grams of xylitol, enough to be dangerous to a small dog.
Symptoms if ingested
- Vomiting within 30 minutes
- Weakness, staggering, and collapse
- Seizures from low blood sugar
- Liver failure within 12-48 hours
- Can be rapidly fatal
What to do
This is an extreme emergency. Rush to the nearest emergency vet immediately. Do NOT wait for symptoms to develop. Time is critical — hypoglycemia can develop within 10-60 minutes. Your vet will check blood sugar, administer IV dextrose, and monitor liver function.
Safe alternatives
- Regular peanut butter (check label for xylitol)
- Honey (small amounts)
- Plain yogurt
- Banana
- Unsweetened applesauce
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