Xylitol and Dogs: A Sugar-free Snack Sent Them to Doggy ER

I was talking with a friend from high school the other day. And as we were catching up, one recent event dominated the conversation. She'd spent the night in the vet emergency room with her cocker spaniel, Reesy.

What seemed like an innocent pack of sugar-free gum turned out to be a dog's version of cyanide. In other words, Xylitol dog poisoning led to a poison control event.

What Is Xylitol?

Xylitol (pronounced ZAI-lih-tall) is a sugar alcohol that's used as a sugar substitute. It's found in a lot of “healthy” human stuff—like:

• Sugar-free gum
• Mints
• Peanut butter (yep!)
• Toothpaste
• Protein bars
• Chewable vitamins
• Baked goods

It has some teeth-enamel-strengthening benefits (for humans) and can reduce sugar intake, so some people seek out products with xylitol. And dogs might eat some of these products when you're not looking.

Thankfully, I've not seen xylitol in meat products like that keto-friendly sugar-free beef jerky so far. That would be a disaster just waiting to happen if the high sodium didn't get them first. And peanut butter brands often state "no xylitol" on the package because they are aware that dogs love peanut butter.

Still, a xylitol dog poisoning would be severe. So I take steps to prevent exposure.

Why Is Xylitol Bad for Dogs?

Dogs' and cats' pancreas respond differently to xylitol than human ones do.

A healthy pancreas produces insulin to keep blood sugar (glucose) levels at a good level. That level is low enough that sugar in the blood doesn't cause cellular damage and high enough that the body has its energy needs met.

Because, of course, glucose (sugar) is our primary energy source.

In all mammals, a healthy pancreas ramps up insulin production when blood sugar is elevated. Insulin signals to cells to use more sugar for energy, so it's not floating around, wreaking havoc.

Now, here's where our furry friends' pancreas functions diverge from ours. Dogs' and cats' pancreas appear to treat xylitol as if it were glucose. So, the pancreas revs up insulin production to get it into the cells—except xylitol is not energy.

So, instead of giving your dog a boost, that extra insulin pulls life-supporting glucose out of the blood, causing an unsafe drop in blood sugar. And if you don't act fast, even a small amount can lead to death.

It's no joke. Organs rely on some glucose staying in the blood so they can access it when they need it. Without available energy in the bloodstream, systems start shutting down within minutes.

Now, the big question.

How Much Xylitol Is Toxic to Dogs?

Brace yourself. As little as 0.1 grams per kilogram of body weight—that's 0.002 ounces per pound—can be dangerous.

One piece of gum can have up to 1 gram of xylitol.

Translation?

One piece of gum or a mint with xylitol can poison (and even "unalive") a small dog (under 7lb).

A few more can be fatal for a medium-sized one. A larger dog with poor dog health might run into problems at lower than expected levels.

Signs of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs

Here’s what to watch for:

• Vomiting
• Weakness or stumbling
• Trembling
• Lethargy
• Seizures
• Collapse

These symptoms can show up within 15 to 30 minutes. But they sometimes take a few hours, depending on how much was eaten compared to the dog's size.

What to Do If You Suspect Xylitol Dog Poisoning

If you think your dog just ate a xylitol-containing product, be proactive.

1. If you have time, check the package to estimate how much they ate. I recommend keeping the above figures on hand so you can quickly do the math.
2. Put the package in your purse (for me, that's usually a laptop bag) or next to your car keys in case you have to go to the vet.
3. Call your vet.
4. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for immediate advice.
5. Depending on how much you think they ate compared to their size, you might want to head to the clinic before symptoms start.

Stomach pumping and dextrose (corn sugar) IV are common treatments for xylitol dog poisoning.

How Positive Reward Training Prevents Xylitol Dog Incidents

Positive reinforcement training can prevent xylitol dog poisoning because it teaches your dog to look to you for guidance before eating strange things.

It also gives you a way to quickly communicate "danger" to your dog.

Let's say, you're pouring xylitol mints into your hand and one is an escape artist—bouncing off your palm and onto the floor. If your dog is near, they're thinking, that sure looks like a treat.

They lap it up without thinking. So, here's how you prevent that.

How to Teach the Leave It Command

1. Choose a low-value dog treat you can palm (kibble, etc.). Choose a high-value treat that's irresistible. I use beef lung training treats. These single-ingredient dog treats are made from roasted organ meat. Dogs can resist the crunch, and I like that they're good for dog health.
2. Put the high-value treat in one hand, behind your back.
3. Take a couple of steps back (making distance) and then open the low-value treat palm. When they try to get it, close your hand quickly and say, " Leave it."
4. Wait for your dog to look away from the closed hand. Then reward them with the high-value treat and say "Take it" or "Okay". Choose just one command word and stick to it. 
5. Repeat several times.
6. Gradually, decrease the distance until your open palm is right in front of them, and they ignore it.

Your dog just learned delayed gratification. They get a high-value dog treat if they're patient.

Level 2 Dog Training

1. Drop the low-value treat to the floor. Say "leave it".
2. Put your foot on the treat if they go for it. And reward them when they don't.

Here, you've taught them to wait before eating random fallen objects.

Level 3 Dog Training

1. Progress to an even higher-value dog treat. I use grass-fed beef marrow bone.
2. Place the bone on the ground and say "leave it.". When they look away, say "take it" or "okay". Then give them the meaty dog bone.

Here, you've just taught your dog that they must wait for your guidance before they can enjoy tasty treats like dog bones.

Curious about how useful dog commands can improve how you communicate with your dog? Sign up for the 7-Day Dog Training Challenge.