Chewing gum. For many people, it’s a harmless habit that helps relieve stress or freshen breath. However, there may be a lethal menace lurking in gum that not everyone is aware of.

In recent years, there have been reports of accidental deaths caused by a common ingredient found in many brands of gum: xylitol.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sweetener in many sugar-free products, including gum. It is also found in some brands of toothpaste, mouthwash, and certain types of candy.

Xylitol is rapidly absorbed by the body and can stimulate the release of insulin, which can cause a rapid decrease in blood sugar levels. While this may not be a problem for most people, it can be deadly for dogs.

Xylitol and Dogs

Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. When a dog ingests xylitol, it can cause a rapid insulin release, leading to severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Symptoms of xylitol toxicity in dogs include vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and even death. According to the ASPCA, dogs that ingest xylitol may experience symptoms within 10 to 60 minutes of ingestion, and the severity of the symptoms can worsen rapidly.

How Common is Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs?

Xylitol poisoning in dogs is becoming increasingly common as more products containing xylitol are introduced into the market.

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, the number of calls about xylitol poisoning in dogs has increased by 79% over the past five years. While gum is not the only source of xylitol in the home, it is one of the most common. The Pet Poison Helpline reports that 80% of xylitol cases involve chewing gum.

Preventing Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs

The best way to prevent xylitol poisoning in dogs is to keep all products that contain xylitol out of reach. This includes gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, and candy.

If you have a dog in your home, it is important to read the labels of all products before you buy them. If a product contains xylitol, it should be stored out of reach of your dog or not purchased at all.

If you suspect that your dog has ingested xylitol, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. The earlier the treatment, the better the chances of recovery.

Your veterinarian may use different treatments depending on the severity of the symptoms, including inducing vomiting, providing supportive care, and administering IV fluids and glucose.

Xylitol and Humans

While xylitol is toxic to dogs, it is generally considered safe for humans in small amounts. The FDA has approved xylitol as a food additive and has determined that xylitol is safe for use in food products.

However, it is important to note that consuming large amounts of xylitol can cause digestive issues, including bloating and diarrhea.

The Bottom Line

Xylitol is a popular sweetener that is found in many sugar-free products, including gum. While it is generally considered safe for humans in small amounts, it can be deadly for dogs.

As such, it is important to keep all products that contain xylitol out of reach of dogs. If you suspect that your dog has ingested xylitol, seek veterinary care immediately.