Xylitol Toxicity for Pets

Many delicious human foods that are not good for animals. For example—grapes, chocolate, raisins, avocado, and many other healthy foods are toxic to dogs. And xylitol is another of these foods. While people do not have to stop consuming these healthy foods, we need to remain vigilant about preventing our pets from consuming them. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar that provides enormous health benefits for humans. However, for dogs, it triggers a dangerous insulin response.

Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs

According to VCA Hospitals, “When dogs eat xylitol, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing the pancreas to release insulin, resulting in a rapid increase in insulin levels in the blood. This rapid insulin increase causes a profound drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) as soon as 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion. If untreated, hypoglycemia can cause seizures and be life-threatening. Ingestion of higher levels of xylitol leads to increased liver enzymes within 12 to 48 hours of ingestion, and liver failure within 24 to 48 hours.” – https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/xylitol-toxicity-in-dogs

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Coma

Generally, a dose of 0.03 to 0.045 grams of xylitol per pound of body weight is considered toxic. If you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol, seek immediate veterinary attention or call Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435.

Xylitol Toxicity in Other Animals

While there is limited data on xylitol toxicity in cats, it is strongly recommended to keep xylitol away from cats and all other pets as a precautionary measure.

Prevention of Xylitol Poisoning

The best way to prevent xylitol poisoning in pets is to be mindful of products that contain xylitol, always read ingredient labels carefully, and keep xylitol products out of your pet’s reach.

Xylitol is commonly found in:

• Gum, mints, and candy
• Baked goods
• Toothpaste
• Skin care products
• Medications

Tips on Storing Zellie’s Xylitol Mints and Gum

• If you want to keep your Zellie’s easily accessible on your bedside table or other common spaces, you can transfer the mints and gum from the Month Supply and Bulk Bags into the more secure Jar size to keep them accessible.
• Keep your Zellie’s products in the kitchen pantry on a high shelf so that they're accessible after meals, snacks, and drinking, but inaccessible to your pets.
• Keep your Zellie’s products in your bathroom medicine cabinet so that they're accessible as part of your morning and evening oral health routine, but inaccessible to your pets.
• Teach children about which foods are toxic to pets and the importance of not sharing or exposing pets to those foods.

For more information about xylitol and dogs, please visit: https://www.petmd.com/dog/poisoning/xylitol-poisoning-in-dogs