Xylitol is a sugar alcohol found in many plants, such as berries, plums, corn, oats, mushrooms, lettuce, and trees. This naturally derived sweetener is commonly added to dental care and beauty products, medications, some peanut butter brands, and many sugar-free foods. While xylitol can be beneficial for people, this ingredient is extremely harmful to pets and can have life-threatening consequences for your furry friend. Our Stanton Pet Hospital team answers common questions about xylitol toxicity to help you protect your pet. 

Question: What are the benefits of xylitol for people?

Answer: Because xylitol looks and tastes like sugar, but contains 40% fewer calories, and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels, the ingredient is often used as a healthy sugar alternative. People also benefit from xylitol in these additional ways:

  • Dental health — Studies have shown that replacing sugar with xylitol can reduce cavities and tooth decay by up to 85%. As a result of these findings, you can understand why xylitol is used as an ingredient in many dental hygiene products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash.
  • Blood sugar and insulin levels — Diabetics sometimes use xylitol because their blood sugar levels stay at a more constant level with xylitol than with regular sugar because the body absorbs xylitol more slowly. 
  • Ear health — A study performed in children with recurring ear infections demonstrated that daily use of xylitol-sweetened chewing gum reduced their infection rate by 40%.

Q: Why is xylitol harmful to pets?

A:  People metabolize xylitol similarly to sugar, without stimulating insulin release. However,  pets metabolize xylitol differently. In pets, xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing the pancreas to release excess insulin, leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels. Toxicity levels vary, but a dog can become severely hypoglycemic 30 minutes after ingesting xylitol, resulting in weakness, seizures, and possibly death. In addition to hypoglycemia in pets, xylitol can also cause severe liver damage, which typically occurs about 8 to 12 hours after ingestion. Unfortunately, pets who experience acute liver failure in response to xylitol toxicity have a poor survival prognosis. Xylitol’s effect on cats is less clear than on dogs, but to be safe, we recommend you also avoid offering your cat xylitol-containing products.

Q: What are xylitol toxicity signs in pets?

A: Xylitol poisoning signs typically occur about 20 to 60 minutes after ingestion. Signs may include:

  • Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Collapse
  • Tremors or seizures
  • Vomiting
  • Jaundice (i.e., yellow gums and eyes)
  • Coma
  • Unusual bleeding

In some cases, toxicity may be delayed, occurring after 12 to 18 hours, so ensure you seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your pet has eaten something containing xylitol. Once signs appear, your pet will likely need to be hospitalized to correct hypoglycemia, control or prevent seizures, and support and monitor liver function. 

Q: What should I do if my pet ingests xylitol?

A: If you suspect your pet has ingested xylitol, immediately contact our Stanton Pet Hospital team or Animal Poison Control to determine your next steps. If possible, collect the original packaging, so you can provide the ingredients and concentrations as well as your pet’s breed, age, weight, and the amount of xylitol your pet ingested. Do not induce vomiting or give your pet any medication unless directed by a veterinary professional.

Q: How are pets treated for xylitol toxicity?

A: Xylitol toxicity needs prompt treatment to reduce long-term consequences and protect your pet’s liver. A presumptive diagnosis will be made if you believe your pet consumed something containing the ingredient, and blood work results are consistent with hypoglycemia. Possible treatments include:

  • Induced vomiting — If the xylitol ingestion occurred recently, your veterinarian may induce vomiting to remove the poison from your pet’s system.
  • Dextrose — Dextrose helps normalize pets’ blood sugar levels.
  • Fluid therapy — Fluid therapy provides cardiovascular support and replaces fluid deficits.
  • Liver protectants — Your veterinarian may administer medications to help prevent liver damage.
  • Hospitalization — Hospitalization is often necessary so your pet’s blood glucose and liver function can be monitored.

Q: How can I protect my pet from xylitol toxicity?

A: Xylitol is a common ingredient in many packaged foods and can be difficult to avoid, but xylitol toxicity in pets is preventable if you follow these tips:

  • Keep xylitol-containing products secured — Ensure any xylitol-containing products are stored out of your pet’s reach, and when possible, replace these products with xylitol-free brands.
  • Hang purses, backpacks, and coats on hooks — If you keep sugar-free gums, mints, or candies in your purse or coat pocket, hang these items up high, and ask guests to do the same. 
  • Read labels carefully — Before offering your pet any food or treat, read the label carefully, to ensure the product doesn’t contain xylitol.

Prevention is key for protecting your pet from xylitol toxicity, but accidents can happen. If you suspect your pet has ingested any toxic substance, immediately contact our Stanton Pet Hospital team for guidance.