Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Xylitol is a sugar substitute often used in “sugar-free” products. While it’s safe for people, it’s incredibly dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can cause severe health issues like low blood sugar, seizures, or even liver failure.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything dog owners need to know about xylitol, including where it’s found, how it affects dogs, warning signs of poisoning, and what to do if your dog ingests it.
What Is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol commonly used as a low-calorie sweetener. You might also see it listed as “birch sugar” or simply under “artificial sweeteners” on ingredient labels.
While harmless for humans, xylitol can be deadly for dogs. It impacts their blood sugar and liver in dangerous ways. That’s why it's so important to keep all products containing xylitol far away from your furry friend.
Where Is Xylitol Found?
Xylitol shows up in more products than you might think. Common sources include:
Food and Snacks
Sugar-free gum and mints
Baked goods, puddings, and candy
Sugar-free peanut butter
Ice cream, syrups, and drink powders
Medications and Supplements
Gummy vitamins
Chewable medications
Cough drops
Oral Care Products
Toothpaste and mouthwash
Household and Personal Items
Shampoo
Lotions and moisturizers
Deodorants
Even if you don’t see the word “xylitol” on the label, keep an eye out for “birch sugar” or other sugar-free claims. These products might contain enough xylitol to harm your dog.
Why Is Xylitol So Dangerous for Dogs?
Dogs process xylitol very differently from humans. When a dog eats xylitol, it causes a sudden spike in insulin from the pancreas. This rapid insulin release drops their blood sugar to dangerously low levels — a condition called hypoglycemia.
In more serious cases, xylitol can also damage the liver. While it’s not fully understood why, liver failure is a life-threatening complication some dogs experience after ingesting too much xylitol.
Cats don’t appear to be affected the same way, but experts still recommend keeping xylitol away from all pets just to be safe.
Signs of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs
Symptoms of xylitol poisoning can appear as quickly as 30 minutes after ingestion, though sometimes it takes several hours. If you notice any of the following, call your vet or emergency clinic immediately:
Vomiting
Weakness or lack of coordination
Trembling or shaking
Lethargy or confusion
Seizures
Collapse or coma
It’s better to act fast, even if you’re unsure. Early treatment can make all the difference.
How Much Xylitol Is Toxic?
It doesn’t take much for xylitol to become dangerous. Here’s a general breakdown:
Just 0.045 grams per pound of body weight can trigger hypoglycemia.
Liver damage may occur at 0.11 to 0.22 grams per pound of body weight.
Some sugar-free gums contain up to 1 gram of xylitol per piece. That means one or two pieces of gum could seriously harm a 20-pound dog.
Common Causes of Accidental Poisoning
Most cases of xylitol poisoning happen when dogs get into something they weren’t supposed to — like sugar-free gum in a purse or leftover baked goods on the counter.
Always check labels and store these products out of your dog’s reach. Remember: dogs are clever, and many are great at sniffing out sweet-smelling items.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Xylitol
If you know or even suspect your dog ate something containing xylitol, treat it as an emergency.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
Bring your dog (and the product packaging, if available) to an emergency vet clinic right away.
Even if your dog seems fine, the effects can come on suddenly — and early treatment is critical.
How Vets Diagnose and Treat Xylitol Poisoning
When you arrive at the vet, they’ll begin by evaluating your dog’s neurological signs and checking blood sugar levels. Bloodwork may also be run to assess liver function and other important markers.
If ingestion happened recently and symptoms haven’t started, your vet may induce vomiting to clear the xylitol before it causes damage.
Treatment often includes:
IV fluids with dextrose (sugar) to maintain normal blood sugar
Close monitoring of blood glucose levels
Medications to support liver function if necessary
Hospitalization for 12–24 hours or more
Follow-up blood tests over 72 hours help confirm that no liver damage occurred.
Can Dogs Recover from Xylitol Poisoning?
Yes, especially if caught early. Dogs who receive prompt treatment for low blood sugar typically recover well without long-term effects. Liver damage is more serious, but with aggressive care, some dogs still make a full recovery.
How to Prevent Xylitol Poisoning
The best defense is a careful offense. Follow these tips:
Read product labels carefully, especially for gum, candy, peanut butter, and baked goods.
Avoid giving human food to your dog unless you know it’s safe.
Choose peanut butter that clearly states “no xylitol.”
Store purses, backpacks, and trash where your dog can’t reach.
Be extra cautious during holidays, parties, or road trips when snacks and hygiene products may be left out.
Final Thoughts
Xylitol poisoning is serious, but it’s also preventable. Knowing what to look for, how to react, and how to store products safely can save your dog’s life.
If you ever suspect your dog has eaten xylitol, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline right away. When in doubt, fast action is always the safest choice.
