Xylitol— A Common Sugar Substitute is Toxic to Dogs

Xylitol is a sugar replacement used in numerous products such as chewing gum, mints, nicotine gum, chewable vitamins, and oral-care products. It’s also frequently purchased in granulated form and utilized as a sweetener for cereals, drinks, and baked goods. Although discovered in the late 1800s by German chemist Emil Fisher, xylitol was not used for commercial puposes until the 1970s.

Xylitol has grown in popularity in the last few years, because it’s considered a good sugar substitute for people on a low-carbohydrate diet or concerned with the glycemic index of foods. Xylitol is also popular among diabetics because it does not cause large spikes of insulin production after consumption.

Nevertheless, as the popularity and number of products containing xylitol has increased so has the number of reported toxic exposures to dogs.

In 2003, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center reported three cases of xylitol poisoning. In 2005, 193 cases were reported. And during the first half of 2006, they received 114 reported cases of xylitol poisoning in dogs.

Although it’s always been known xylitol causes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in dogs, it’s only recently been discovered to produce acute and possibly life-threatening liver disease. Humans and dogs do not metabolize substances in the same way and xylitol is no exception. Dogs seem to absorb almost 100% of xylitol while humans absorb only 50%. As a result, only a small amount is needed to produce toxic effects in your dog.

After ingesting xylitol dogs can begin to vomit and develop hypoglycemia within 30 to 60 minutes. Some dogs will develop liver failure within 12 to 24 hours after ingestion. One reported case involved a 3-year-old dog that consumed five or six cookies containing the sweetener. It became ill 24 hours later and died the next day.

Dog owners watching their diets and using xylitol-sweetened products in their home need to be aware of the toxic effect it has on your dog. They need to ensure their dogs do not get a hold of any of these products.

Other sugar sweeteners such as sorbitol, mannitol, saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose are generally regarded as safe for dogs.

If you think your dog has ingested xylitol, call your veterinarian immediately.

For a complete survival guide on stress-free dog care, including detailed information on when your dog needs to see the vet, how to respond to pet emergencies, dog First Aid, and all common health problems, check out The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health.

It’s a complete handbook on dog health care, and teaches you how to take a proactive and prepared approach to knowledgeable dog ownership.

You can visit The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health by clicking on the link below:

The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health

A sweet danger to your dog - Examiner.com
29 Jun 2009 at 4:05pm

A sweet danger to your dog
Examiner.com
If you suspect your dog has ingested something with xylitol, take him to the vet immediately. If possible, ta...

Common 'sweetener,' xylitol, can be poisonous to dogs - Herald & Review
28 Jun 2009 at 6:56am

Common 'sweetener,' xylitol, can be poisonous to dogs
Herald & Review
But if it is sugar-free, it is usually sweetened with xylitol, and xylitol can ...

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22 Jun 2009 at 11:11pm

Examiner.com
Dogs and cats, avoid these foods!
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Xylitol--a sugar-substitute found in many candies, gums, toothpastes and pastries?causes a...

DANGEROUS FOODS - Examiner.com
22 Jun 2009 at 7:07pm

DANGEROUS FOODS
Examiner.com
Xylitol has been shown to cause severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver damage in dogs and can be fatal. Jill Ri...

Foods your dog should never eat - Examiner.com
22 Jun 2009 at 1:01pm

Examiner.com
Foods your dog should never eat
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It's hot, so find your spot to keep cool - Tri State Defender
25 Jun 2009 at 3:58pm

Tri State Defender
It's hot, so find your spot to keep cool
Tri State Defender
... even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailmen...