What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute commonly used in many products today, including sugarless gums, candies, toothpastes and is also used alone for baking. Although humans are not at risk for toxicity, dogs are very sensitive to the effects of xylitol and are prone to toxicity after eating this dangerous ingredient.

Because xylitol is a common household product, we often see it as the prime suspect in toxicity to dogs. Xylitol’s effects on cats and other companion animals are not yet known.

Side Effects of Xylitol Toxicity

Common toxic side effects include, vomiting, diarrhea and dose-dependent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) that is manifested as lethargy and weakness. In severe cases, seizures, collapse and coma can occur.

In dogs, xylitol is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and causes rapid hypoglycemia due to acute insulin release. This can be a life-threatening situation and in some reported cases, hypoglycemia can occur only 30 minutes after ingestion.

Overdose can also cause liver disease, blood clotting disorders, electrolyte imbalances and in severe cases, death.

Since Xylitol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream shortly after ingestion, toxic side effects can be managed most effectively if caught by the owner early on.

If xylitol is listed as the first ingredient on a product label, it only takes small quantities of that product to cause a problem. Example: a ten-pound dog can have toxic side effects by ingesting only a couple pieces of chewing gum that contains xylitol.

Treatment for Xylitol Toxicity

Treatment includes immediate veterinary care where the patient can be stabilized and proper medical treatment can be given. Depending on the case, the veterinarian may want to induce vomiting (unless hypoglycemia is already present), intravenous fluid support, and administration of dextrose with multiple, frequent feedings to control the effects of hypoglycemia. Blood work such as a serum chemistry, complete blood count, blood clotting profiles and electrolyte panels should be run to determine if liver/organ damage, clotting issues and/or electrolyte imbalances are present.

Prevention of Xylitol Toxicity

In some products, xylitol is not always listed as an ingredient on the label, so it is important to be cautious and aware of any possible ingestion. It may be beneficial to assume that the ingredient is present in order to take the proper steps necessary for early treatment.

The documented toxic dose of xylitol is considered to be 0.1 g/kilogram, and at doses greater than 0.5 g/kilogram severe liver damage and blood abnormalities can occur. Once treated, toxic effects are not long lasting; however in severe cases liver damage can remain. It has been suggested that veterinary liver support products may be helpful in such cases where long-term side effects are apparent.

It is very important to remember that common household items can be detrimental to a dog's health and wellness. It is up to the pet owner to ensure that the surrounding environment is a safe one and take necessary precautions to prevent accidental ingestion of foods that include xylitol as an ingredient.

Awareness, early identification and treatment are key to a successful outcome and can be in some cases, life saving.

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