What is Xylitol Toxicity?

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly found in sugar-free products such as chewing gum, candies, mints, baked goods, and even some toothpastes and mouthwashes. While safe for humans, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and can lead to dangerous health issues when ingested.

Who is Affected?

Dogs: Dogs are particularly sensitive to xylitol. When ingested, it causes a rapid and excessive release of insulin, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). High amounts of xylitol can also cause liver damage, even in the absence of hypoglycemia.

Signs of Xylitol Toxicity

Initial Symptoms: Vomiting and diarrhea often occur shortly after ingestion.
Hypoglycemia Symptoms: Blood sugar may drop rapidly within 30-60 minutes, causing weakness, difficulty walking, collapse, and seizures in severe cases.
Delayed Symptoms: If chewing gum is ingested, hypoglycemia may develop 12 hours after ingestion, with low blood sugar lasting up to 36 hours.
Liver Failure Symptoms: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), lethargy, and abnormal bleeding tendencies can develop 24-72 hours after ingestion, signaling potential liver failure.

How we diagnose:

History of Ingestion: Recent exposure to xylitol-containing products, combined with clinical signs of hypoglycemia or liver damage.
Blood Tests: Blood work typically shows low blood sugar levels and elevated liver enzymes.
Other Tests: Abdominal x-rays or ultrasounds may be used to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

What You Can Do at Home

Call Poison Control: Immediately contact a pet-specific poison control hotline to assess the level of toxicity. They can help determine whether the situation requires immediate veterinary care.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435

Follow Animal Poison Control Instructions: Poison control may advise inducing vomiting at home or taking your pet to the vet for treatment. Never induce vomiting without professional guidance.

Priority / Urgency / Emergency

Emergency! All cases of xylitol ingestion should be evaluated by animal poison control, with care initiated as needed.
The severity of the toxicity is dose dependent! A small amount ingested allow for home monitoring only. However, delayed care with a large enough ingestion may lead to a poor outcome.
- Animal Poison control will help guide you!

Treatment Options at a Veterinary Facility

Inducing Vomiting: If ingestion occurred within the past hour, vomiting may be induced to prevent further absorption of xylitol.
Activated Charcoal: Administered to limit the absorption of xylitol from the stomach.
Hospitalization: For severe cases, especially with hypoglycemia or liver failure, hospitalization is necessary for IV fluids, dextrose (sugar) administration, and continuous monitoring.
Medications: Supportive care includes medications to manage symptoms, protect the liver, and stabilize blood sugar.
Supportive Care: Additional treatments, such as fluid therapy or liver medications, may be required for recovery. In extreme cases, blood transfusions or intensive care may be needed.

Follow-Up Care

Monitoring: Blood sugar and liver function tests should be repeated in the following days to track recovery.
Prevention: Ensure all xylitol-containing products are kept out of your pet’s reach to prevent future exposure.
- BEWARE: some products containing xylitol will have the label of “birch sugar”.

Prognosis

Good Prognosis (Early Treatment): If treated promptly and hypoglycemia is the only issue, the prognosis is generally positive, with full recovery likely.
Guarded Prognosis: If liver failure develops, the prognosis is uncertain. Recovery is more difficult and depends on the severity of the damage.
Early intervention significantly improves the chances of recovery.

Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs