Food · 🐶 Dogs
Can dogs eat xylitol (sugar-free gum)?
✕Toxic for dogs
No. Xylitol, a sweetener in sugar-free gum, candy and some peanut butters, can crash a dog’s blood sugar within minutes and damage the liver.
Why xylitol (sugar-free gum) is dangerous
In dogs, xylitol triggers a huge release of insulin, so blood sugar drops fast. Larger doses can cause liver failure. It is also sold as “birch sugar” and turns up in toothpaste, baked goods, vitamins and some nut butters.
Signs of poisoning
- Vomiting
- Weakness, wobbliness or collapse
- Trembling
- Seizures
- Signs can start within 10 to 60 minutes
How much is dangerous?
A single piece of gum can be dangerous for a small dog.
What to do right now
This is an emergency. Go to a vet or emergency hospital immediately, and call ahead. Don’t wait for symptoms.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, Merck Veterinary Manual. This is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet ate something and you’re worried, call your vet or a poison line right away.