Question 1

How much xylitol is toxic to dogs?

Accepted Answer

Veterinary references consider doses above about 100 mg of xylitol per kilogram of body weight a risk for hypoglycemia, and doses above about 500 mg/kg a risk for liver failure. Because xylitol content varies widely between products and brands, the safest approach is to check the label or call a poison helpline rather than guess.

Question 2

How fast does xylitol poisoning happen in dogs?

Accepted Answer

Xylitol can cause a dog's blood sugar to drop within 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion, much faster than chocolate poisoning. Some gum products release xylitol more slowly, so symptoms can occasionally be delayed several hours. Liver injury, if it occurs, typically develops over the following one to two days.

Question 3

What are the symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs?

Accepted Answer

Early signs include vomiting, weakness, loss of coordination, and lethargy from low blood sugar. In more severe cases, dogs can develop seizures, collapse, or signs of liver failure such as jaundice over the following days.

Question 4

My dog ate sugar-free gum, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Check the gum's label or packaging for xylitol, estimate how many pieces were eaten, and call your veterinarian or an animal poison control line such as the ASPCA (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) right away. Because symptoms can begin within 30 to 60 minutes, don't wait to see if your dog seems fine before calling.

Did your dog eat xylitol?