The Danger of Xylitol in Dogs 

Not many people know that xylitol is toxic to our four-legged friends. In an ongoing survey by Preventative Vet, over 50 percent of respondents weren’t aware of xylitol or the danger that it poses to dogs.  Did you know that this sweetener can be even more toxic than chocolate? Xylitol is so toxic to dogs that symptoms can show up within 10 minutes of ingestion. There are several symptoms which include weakness, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and rapid breathing. The good thing is that dogs can recover if treated promptly.

You may be wondering why xylitol is so dangerous to dogs. In both people and dogs, the level of blood sugar is controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. When dogs eat something containing xylitol, the xylitol is more quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, and may result in a potent release of insulin from the pancreas. This rapid release of insulin may result in a rapid and profound decrease in the level of blood sugar. This is known as hypoglycemia.

When we think of xylitol, we think of food. It has been discovered that many more household products contain this ingredient. In addition to other edible goods, like cookies, cough drops, and medications, xylitol has been popping up in toothpaste, cosmetics, and mouthwash as well. Xylitol is also being included in some specialty brands of peanut butter. This is alarming because many people use peanut butter to fill up chew toys or to make dog treats.

Therefore, it is extremely important to check the ingredients of products. If you discover any products that have xylitol, keep them away from your pets! Keep in mind that xylitol is typically listed in the “other ingredients” or “inactive ingredients” section. Sometimes the ingredients won’t be listed as xylitol, but may include “sugar alcohols”, which encompass many different sugar alcohols, like xylitol. If your pet has ingested a product that contains xylitol, call your veterinarian immediately.