Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as an artificial sweetener and is created from birch, raspberries, plums and corn. Xylitol is similar in sweetness to sugar but half the calories and without the common effects of sugar such as dental cavities and diabetes. Therefore, this sweetener is found in many human "sugar free" products, such as gum, candies or other sweets. In humans, this additive has no serious side effects but in dogs, ingestion could be fatal. Xylitol has also been suspected of causing toxicity in ferrets.
 

Xylitol toxicity is one of the newer culprits for toxic episodes in our dogs. A common scenario is finding your pooch stealing a pack of sugar free gum. While previously it was thought that only large concentrations of xylitol could result in problems, this may no longer be the case. Just a few sticks of gum ingested by a small dog could cause severe problems.

The main and initial toxic event in dogs with xylitol ingestion is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). What the xylitol does is cause a rapid release of the hormone insulin, resulting in a sudden decrease in blood glucose. There also appears to be a strong link between xylitol ingestions and the development of liver failure in dogs, which can develop after the initial toxic phase.

 

Signs of toxicity can be seen as quickly as 30 minutes after xylitol ingestion. You may see clinical signs of hypoglycemia such as: vomiting, weakness, ataxia or uncoordinated movements, depression, seizures, coma, and later, liver dysfunction and/or failure. Your dog could also see problems from ingesting just small amounts of xylitol. Therefore do not base toxicity on seeing clinical signs in a half hour. You may not be in the clear because with smaller concentrations of xylitol, the onset of clinical signs could be delayed as much as 12 hours after ingestion.

Since these signs can develop quite rapidly it is crucial that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately or contact the Animal Poison Control Center. If it is soon after your pet has eaten a xylitol-containing sweet or food and before clinical signs develop, your veterinarian may advise inducing vomiting to expel the toxin and supportive care to monitor and treat the resultant low blood glucose and possible low potassium levels.

 

Prevention is very important. Therefore be especially diligent in keeping candy, gum or other foods containing xylitol out of the reach of pets. As with any potentially toxic substance, should accidental exposures occur, be sure to contact your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control for immediate assistance.

 

Dr. Matthew Krupnick is the owner of the Pequannock Animal Hospital . He grew up in Kinnelon and is happy to be home, with his wife, three cats and two dogs, to provide quality and compassionate care for your pets in the community. The Pequannock Animal Hospital is located at 591 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains. You may reach them by calling (973) 616-0400.