Why is xylitol bad for dogs? Xylitol is bad for dogs because it ranks high among the most common causes of dog poisoning. In fact, according to the Pet Poison Helpline, this artificial sweetener came third in the top 10 pet toxins in 2022.
Their records also show that nearly 4,000 cases of xylitol ingestion occurred in 2018. The numbers drastically increased to almost 6,000 in 2020.
Due to the high toxicity levels of xylitol to dogs, pawrents need to be extremely cautious as this sweetener can be found in many household items.
What Is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that serves as a sugar substitute. It is usually extracted from birch trees or corn fiber. Certain food products such as berries, oats, and plums naturally produce this chemical too.
Why Is Xylitol Increasing in Popularity and Use?
Xylitol has existed for many centuries. However, it has become more popular in recent years because of the health perks it offers humans.
Xylitol is known for its low glycemic index, which makes it beneficial to diabetic individuals. It also boasts antibacterial properties that help prevent cavities and tooth decay.
Why Is Xylitol Toxic to Dogs, Not Humans?
Throughout the years, waves of dog owners raise the question: “Why is xylitol so dangerous for dogs but harmless to people?” Xylitol is bad for dogs since it is swiftly absorbed into their bloodstream.
Blood sugar is controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. Ingestion of xylitol prompts a sudden release of insulin in the pancreas of dogs in large amounts.
As a result, canines will suffer from an alarming drop in blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia. This condition can occur within 10-60 minutes after ingestion.
Another potentially lethal side effect of xylitol on dogs is severe liver damage. Researchers have observed that the liver enzymes of pooches abnormally rise after consuming xylitol. If eaten in large doses, fatal liver failure is an imminent outcome.
Some pets, like cats are spared from the toxicity of xylitol. However, rabbits and ferrets are at risk of poisoning should they ingest this sugar substitute.
However, in humans, xylitol does not stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas. Instead, the sweetener can cause diarrhea if we consume it excessively.
Most Common Products Containing Xylitol
What foods contain xylitol dogs? Some of the most common food products that contain xylitol are sugar-free chewing gum, baked goods, sweets, ketchup, ice cream, and breath mints. It has made its way to non-food items as well, including:
Cosmetic products: deodorant, shaving cream, shampoo, sunscreen, face cream, shower gel, facial cleanser
Oral care products: mouthwash, toothpaste, whitening strips
Drugs: cough syrup, laxatives, chewable vitamins, sleep aid pills, dietary supplements, lozenges
What Is Another Name for Xylitol?
Xylitol is not always listed as xylitol in the ingredients list of certain products. It goes by other names such as:
- 1,4-anhydro-d-xylitol
- Anhydroxylitol
- Birch bark extract
- Birch sugar
- CHO
- D-xylitol
- E967
- Meso-Xylitol
- Méso-Xylitol
- Pentahydric alcohol
- Penta-hydroxy
- Pentane
- Sucre de bouleau
- Wood sugar
- Xylitol
- Xylitol
- Xylit
- Xylite
- Xylitylglucoside
- Xylo-pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol
- Zylatol
Dog owners should inspect products for buzzwords indicating the presence of xylitol. Some commonly used are cavity-free, sugar-free, natural flavor, diabetic-friendly, no sugar added, and reduced sugar.
How Much Xylitol Is Poisonous to a Dog?
How much xylitol is bad for dogs? It only takes small amounts of xylitol to cause bad toxicity symptoms in dogs.
A study states that 0.1 grams of xylitol per 1 kilogram (2 pounds) of body weight are enough to induce hypoglycemia.
Life-threatening liver failure may occur if the dose reaches 0.5 grams per 1 kilogram of body weight.
For instance, a 30-kilogram (66-pound) dog will experience low blood sugar if he consumed 3 grams of xylitol. He is in danger of liver failure once he ingests around 15 grams of the sugar substitute.
Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs
The initial sign of dog poisoning caused by xylitol is hypoglycemia. As we have stated, it can take 10 to 60 minutes for this symptom to show. In some cases, its materialization might be delayed for up to 12 to 24 hours.
Other clinical signs of xylitol toxicity in dogs to keep an eye out for are:
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Difficulties in body coordination
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Low potassium and phosphorus levels
Large doses of xylitol may result in liver failure in dogs. An increase in liver enzyme production will likely happen within 8 to 12 hours of ingestion. However, signs of liver damage may not be perceptible until 24 to 48 hours after ingestion.
Dog owners must note that not all dogs with xylitol-induced liver damage exhibit hypoglycemia. Additionally, having low phosphorus levels (hyperphosphatemia) is a grim sign that your dog has a low chance of living after sustaining a liver injury.
What to Do if Your Dog Ingested Xylitol
Rush your dog to the vet immediately if he has eaten a product containing xylitol. Do not delay since timely treatment will significantly increase his window of survival.
Before driving your dog to the vet clinic, jot down what product he has consumed, the approximate amount ingested, and the time of the incident’s occurrence.
Collecting this information will make it easier for the vet to find the most suitable treatment for your canine companion.
If you cannot get ahold of the vet, contact the Animal Poison Control Center. They will provide the appropriate home treatment plan you can temporarily carry out until the vet is available.
Treatment For Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs
Swift and aggressive treatment is necessary when it comes to xylitol toxicity in canines. The method of treatment will depend on the severity of the poisoning.
Mild Xylitol Poisoning
Dogs ingesting xylitol in small amounts, around 0.1 grams per kilogram require hospitalization and close monitoring for the manifestation of hypoglycemia. Induced vomiting is recommended only if affected canines have stable blood sugar levels. If hypoglycemia occurs, an IV drip will be administered.In Between Mild and Severe Xylitol Poisoning
Dogs that ingested between 0.1 and 0.5 grams per kilogram will be under close observation every 1-2 hours for at least 12 hours for hypoglycemia.
Then another monitoring every 4-6 hours for low potassium levels.If their blood sugar levels drop, they will be given an IV drip.The vet will prescribe supplements to stabilize potassium and phosphorus concentrations if hypokalemia or hyperphosphatemia occurs.Severe Xylitol Poisoning
Immediate IV supplementation will be carried out on dogs that consumed about 0.5 grams of xylitol per kilogram of body weight.
Their blood glucose levels need monitoring every 2-4 hours. The IV drip will be removed after 24 hours once hypoglycemia is successfully controlled.
Liver protectants such as vitamin E, silymarin, and N-acetylcysteine will be administered to decrease the chances or hinder the development of liver damage. Hemorrhaging will be treated by plasma transfusion.
The vet will also perform blood tests and other assessment methods throughout your dog’s hospitalization. It is done to keep track of dogs’ various body processes, particularly the electrolytes, blood glucose levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and kidney and liver function.
What Is the Prognosis for Recovery From Xylitol Poisoning?
Preventing Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs
Dog poisoning caused by xylitol is a very scary experience for both pawrents and their pets. You can prevent this life-threatening danger from happening by following these simple tips:
1. Read product labels and ingredients carefully.
Always check if xylitol is listed as an ingredient, particularly in sugar-free products like sugarless gum.
It is imperative to inspect if this artificial sweetener is one of the first three ingredients. If it is, the product has high concentrations of xylitol and is more toxic to dogs.
Also, look out for marketing labels that hint at the presence of this artificial sweetener.
2. Do not use human toothpaste on dogs.
Many kinds of toothpaste made for human use contain xylitol. So they are a big no-no for Fido. Stick to using toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs.
Note that certain brands have intentional trace amounts of xylitol. They will not induce poisoning in canines unless ingested excessively.
3. Keep xylitol-laced products out of your dog’s reach.
Do not leave items containing xylitol unguarded on the kitchen counter or table. Store them in securely locked tall cabinets or inside fridge drawers.
4. Remind family members and guests to avoid sharing food with your dog.
Run through your family, especially children, the dangers involved in letting dogs eat foods containing xylitol. Make sure they understand its fatal consequences. The same should be done to visitors.
FAQs About Xylitol For Dogs
1. Can Xylitol Kill Dogs?
Xylitol can kill dogs if they ingest the sweetener in amounts enough to induce fatal poisoning.
A heartbreaking example is the Hungarian Vizsla named Ruby, who died after eating two homemade brownies containing xylitol.
2. Is Xylitol in Peanut Butter?
Yes, xylitol is in some peanut butter brands.
So it is critical to check the ingredients list of any peanut butter you want to share with your dog. The safest types of peanut butter for canines are all-natural and unsweetened.
3. What Is the Dog Antidote for Xylitol?
Unfortunately, there is no dog antidote for xylitol poisoning. The best form of treatment for this condition is timely supportive care, IV supplementations, and administration of medications.
4. What Fruits Have Xylitol?
Some of the fruits that have xylitol are strawberries, raspberries, and pumpkins. In addition to that, certain vegetables naturally produce this compound too such as cauliflower and spinach.
On the brighter side, the amount of xylitol they contain is very low. Dogs will need to eat these foods in large quantities for poisoning to take place.
Thus, you do not need to avoid feeding these fruits and veggies to your pet. Just remember to offer them sparingly to reduce the risk of toxicity.
Summary
Xylitol, a sugar substitute commonly found in various food and non-food products, is highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts. It can cause serious liver damage within a matter of days.
Stay vigilant for human products containing xylitol by taking time to read their ingredients list. Store them away from your furry pal to ensure his safety.
Some human foods are safe for you but not for Fido. So be extra careful with what grub you share with him. Our article What Human Food Can Dogs Eat? will help you identify which varieties should be kept away from him.
