Welcome to The Oaks Veterinary Clinic. Taking care of your four legged friends!
04/25/2025
Most dog owners know chocolate can be dangerous for your pooch, but you may not know that if your pup sticks their nose in your handbag and eats a pack of sugarless chewing gum, the consequences could be deadly.
Sugarless gum may contain xylitol, a class of sweetener known as sugar alcohol. Xylitol, also known as birch sugar, is present in many products and foods for human use, but can have devastating effects on your pet.
Gum isn't the only product containing xylitol. This sugar substitute is also often used to sweeten sugar-free candy, such as mints and chocolate bars. Other products that may contain xylitol include:
* breath mints
* baked goods
* cough syrup
* children's and adult chewable vitamins
* mouthwash
* toothpaste
* some peanut and nut butters
* over-the-counter medicines
* dietary supplements
* sugar-free desserts, including "skinny" ice cream
* deodorants
A note to cat owners: Xylitol does not seem to be as dangerous for cats and other pets. Cats appear to be spared, at least in part, by their disdain for sweets.
Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, followed by symptoms associated with the sudden lowering of your dog's blood sugar, such as decreased activity, weakness, staggering, incoordination, collapse and seizures.
If you think your dog may have eaten a product containing xylitol, call your vet, emergency clinic, or animal poison control center right away.
