![]() Rarely, these signs may not begin until many hours after ingestion. Collapse and seizures may quickly follow. Within 10-15 minutes of ingestion dogs may develop hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and start vomiting, become uncoordinated or start staggering. Thus, to achieve a potentially toxic dose, a 10 pound dog would only have to eat one piece of gum! The amount of xylitol typically found in most pet oral-care products is very small and, when used properly, is not expected to cause poisoning unless the dog ingests a very large amount. Chewing gums and breath mints typically contain 0.22-1.0 gram of xylitol per piece of gum or per mint. Typically, the dose needed to cause poisoning is at least 0.05 grams per pound of body weight (0.1 grams per kilogram of body weight). Cats and people do not experience this problem. Xylitol may cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar as well as causing liver damage to dogs. Finally, it has dental plaque fighting properties and also found (in non-toxic amounts) in pet mouth wash and oral rinses. Bulk xylitol can be purchased for cooking at home. ![]() It is also found in some smoking-cessation products like nicotine gum. Xylitol is a common sugar-substitute used in sugar-free chewing gum, breath mints, candies, and baked goods. Safer yet, don’t let your pet purse-snatch your pack of gum! What it’s in: Signs of a low blood sugar include vomiting, weakness, difficulty walking, tremoring, or even seizuring, and immediate veterinary attention should be sought! Treatment includes decontamination (i.e., inducing vomiting, if your veterinarian deems appropriate!), checking a blood glucose/sugar level, treating with IV fluids and dextrose (in the IV fluids), liver monitoring tests, and drugs like SAM-E to protect the liver. Beware of those desserts or baked goods that could also be made with xylitol! Even small amounts ingested can result in a life-threatening drop in blood sugar, or with large amounts of ingestion, liver failure. Many sugarless gums (including some Trident, Orbit, and Ice Breaker brands) and candies contain xylitol, a sweetener which is toxic to dogs.
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