What Is Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs?
Source:petmd.com
I had a subscriber write in about their dog being poisoned with Xylitol from a 'so called safe' human medication..
It is in so many things, and you really need to be aware of this
In fact it is in MANY common dental sprays/rinses, as it is appears to be safe for people- but NEVER safe to give to dogs.
Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol, which is a type of carbohydrate that does not actually contain alcohol. It has a sweet taste and is often used as a sugar substitute.
Xylitol is found in:
Sugar-free foods: Baked goods/desserts, peanut butter, ice cream, candy, fruit drink, drink powder, jelly/jam, cereal, pudding/Jell-O, ketchup, syrup, chewing gum, and breath mints
Medications: Cough drop, gummy vitamin, chewable vitamin, and prescription medication
Dental care products: Toothpaste and mouthwash
Beauty products: Shampoo, moisturizer, and deodorant
TOXIC to dogs
While xylitol may be unharmful to humans, it is toxic and potentially lethal to dogs. The difference is in the way blood sugar is controlled in the body.
In both humans and dogs, blood sugar is regulated by the release of insulin from the pancreas. In dogs, xylitol triggers a large release of insulin which causes the blood sugar level to drop quickly and dangerously; this is called hypoglycemia. In humans, however, xylitol does not affect the pancreas or insulin release, so people do not experience any change in blood sugar levels.
Xylitol can also cause liver damage and even liver failure in dogs. It is unknown how this happens, but it appears to depend on how much xylitol your dog consumes.
Xylitol’s toxic effects are not yet reported in cats. Scientists, however, are not in agreement that cats are completely clear from the effects of xylitol poisoning, so for now it is best to keep xylitol products away from all your furry pets.
If your dog ingests xylitol, you should take it immediately to a local veterinary emergency hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs
Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs are typically due to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and may include:
Signs of hypoglycemia may appear as early as 30 minutes after xylitol ingestion but may be delayed up to 12 hours. If you notice any of these symptoms, and believe your dog may have ingested xylitol, contact your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.
Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs: FAQ's
What is the amount of xylitol that is toxic to dogs?
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can occur if a dog ingests as little as 0.045 grams. (0.1gram/kilogram). Liver damage can occur by ingesting 0.11 to 0.22gram/pound. (0.25-0.5gram/kilogram). This means that as little as one piece of gum can cause xylitol poisoning in a 20-pound dog.
How long does it take for xylitol poisoning to affect my dog?
Xylitol is quickly absorbed, so you may see signs as early as 30 minutes, or they could be delayed for up to 12 hours. Clinical signs of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, weakness, stumbling/loss of balance, lethargy/depression, tremors/seizures, and collapse/coma.
How do I know if my dog has xylitol poisoning?
Seek emergency veterinary care if your pet has ingested a product with xylitol, or you suspect they have. Xylitol is contained in many foods and household products including baked goods, chewing gum/mint, medication, oral hygiene, and beauty products, and more. If you did not see your pet eating xylitol but notice issues such as vomiting, weakness, trouble walking, balance concerns, lethargy, seizures, collapsing, or a coma-like state, it is experiencing xylitol toxicity.
What is the most common serious illness related to xylitol exposure in dogs?
Ingestion of xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in dogs, and at higher doses it can also lead to liver damage and even failure. The mechanism of liver damage is unknown, but it can be fatal if untreated.
