Diagnosing Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs. Ingestion of any small amounts of the product will cause the rapid release of insulin in dogs and result in hypoglycemia. Bite Levels in Dogs. 3) If your dog eats a xylitol-containing product. 2) Some signs of xylitol poisoning in dogs. With xylitol, absorption by dogs is rapid and complete; symptoms of poisoning can be seen in as little as 30 minutes after ingestion. Symptoms can include: Weakness or lethargy; Walking drunk; Depression; Acute collapse ; Seizures; Vomiting; Racing heart rate; Trembling or tremoring; Jaundiced gums; Diarrhea; Black-tarry stool; Bruising; Clotting problems; Abnormal mentation; My Dog … But xylitol, one popular sugar substitute found in many products that line our pantry shelves, is extremely poisonous to dogs. No. Posted on August 1, 2018 by James. For most dog owners, the symptoms and signs of xylitol poisoning are confusing. Symptoms of this effect can appear within 15 to 30 minutes but may be delayed up to 12 hours. Loss of appetite; Vomiting; Diarrhea; Weakness; Imbalance; Seizures or tremors. Behavior. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar-free products such as gums, candies, and baked goods. If you think your dog has eaten anything with xylitol, contact a vet. The higher the dose ingested, the more the risk of liver failure. Much more so even than cats, although there have been some reports of xylitol poisoning in cats too. While xylitol consumption is considered safe in people, dogs can develop serious, even life-threatening, signs from xylitol ingestion. It could take 9 pieces of gum, in a gum with low percentage of Xylitol, to cause threatening hypoglycemia in a 45 pound (about 20 kg) dog. Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs. Dogs who have experienced the hypoglycemia after xylitol ingestion may also progress to this stage. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that was first discovered in the late 19th century and was first used as a safer alternative to sugar for diabetic patients. Unfortunately, while safe for us, xylitol is incredibly toxic to dogs. Many studies have found that it can cause acute liver necrosis. How Xylitol Can Harm Your Dog. Car Ride Anxiety in Dogs and Cats. Signs of poisoning include seizures and coma. Aggression Between Familiar Dogs. Xylitol toxicity seems to be dose-dependent. Also question is, how long does it take for xylitol to affect a dog? Even one tablet can cause problems in a small dog. Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs. Surprisingly, it seems that not all dogs will develop initial signs related to low blood sugar. Click to see full answer. How do I know if my dog has been poisoned? Ingestion of xylitol or xylitol-containing products by dogs has resulted in development of hypoglycemia and, less commonly, hepatic injury and/or failure. Signs of Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs. Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs. For a same dog, 45 pieces could result in a liver failure. The most common signs of xylitol poisoning are vomiting, lethargy, weakness, difficulty walking and collapse. ANSWER: Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs. Body Language of Dogs. Even though xylitol consumption is generally considered safe in people, dogs can develop severe and even life-threatening clinical signs from having ingested xylitol. Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs . In most cases symptoms will appear within half an hour and can include: Collapse; Lethargy; Disorientation ( drunkness) Vomitting; Seizures and tremors; Coma; How will the Vet treat xylitol poisoning? This usually starts within twelve to twenty-four hours after exposure to xylitol. 2: Flea and tick products . The following signs of xylitol ingestion can begin to … Dogs can be poisoned by a number of different things including chocolate, grapes, and candy containing xylitol. Xylitol poisoning symptoms are depression, lethargy, progressing to loss of coordination and seizures. You may think you’re doing your dog a favor when you apply products marketed to fight fleas and ticks, but thousands of animals are unintentionally poisoned by these products every year. In the 1970s its benefits in oral health were discovered and since then it has been used to sweeten dental products such as toothpaste and mouthwashes, in addition to sugar-free gum and candy. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a very real danger with xylitol consumption. Applying Eye Drops with Low Stress Handling. Zinc Poisoning in Dogs and Cats. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ingestion of xylitol or xylitol-containing products by dogs has resulted in development of hypoglycemia and, less commonly, hepatic injury and/or failure. These signs can range from vomiting to breathing difficulties to drooling. Signs of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs. Being 2019, it’s likely there are even more products containing Xylitol. This is actually the reason it’s helpful to use an online vet and live chats with other dog owners to quickly get answers. Toxic effects of xylitol in dogs can occur within 10 to 15 minutes, but may be delayed up to a few days. Signs of dog xylitol poisoning can include: vomiting. The signs of xylitol poisoning in dogs can occur rapidly, sometimes in as little as 10-15 minutes. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is safe for people but can cause low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs. Barking Problems in Dogs . Xylitol Poisoning In Dogs. Dog is Having Accidents in the … If the dog is showing clinical signs, they need intensive round the clock veterinary monitoring until the dog is clinically normal and all blood parameters are normal. When your little pup ingests xylitol or food containing it, poisoning symptoms can set in as quickly as within 10 to 15 minutes or as slowly as within a few days. Destructive Chewing by Puppies and Dogs. Xylitol is poisonous to dogs; the amount of xylitol found in different products is very variable, but even 1-2 pieces of gum may be enough to cause toxic effects in a small dog. This substance has the ability to cause hypoglycemia in our canine companions, and this has been known for over 30 years. The dose of xylitol that can cause hypoglycemia in the dog has been reported between 50 milligrams (mg) of xylitol per pound of body weight (100 mg per kg). Symptoms of this effect can appear within 15 to 30 minutes but may be delayed up to 12 hours. As the trend for sugar free products grows, so does the inclusion of sweeteners in food. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning can be evident in as little as 30 minutes. Call us or poison control If possible, have the packaging in hand. Jaundice; Blood in stool, nose bleeds, and other signs of clotting disorders . In order to best protect your pet from xylitol poisoning, it’s important to understand why it’s toxic to dogs, where you’ll find it, and what to do if your dog ingests a product that contains xylitol. Once xylitol has been ingested, the dog may develop symptoms within minutes although clinical signs can take anywhere from half an hour to up to 12 hours. These include: Vomiting; Weakness; Trouble standing or walking; Lethargy; Seizures; Coma; If you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol, call the Pet Poison Helpline at (800-213-6680). Applying a Muzzle to an Aggressive Dog. Symptoms of poisoning in dogs can vary tremendously depending on the type of poison they’ve encountered. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include the following: Weakness or lethargy Depression Walking drunk Acute collapse Vomiting Trembling or tremoring Seizures A racing heart rate Jaundiced gums Black-tarry stool Diarrhea Bruising Abnormal mentation Clotting problems Death Following are the symptoms of xylitol poisoning (will show withing 15-30 mins of consumption): Vomiting Weakness in walking Lack of motor skills (improper walking ) Lethargy Tremors Seizures Coma Symptoms of xylitol poisoning can be evident in as little as 30 minutes. Getting your dog to a vet quickly is essential in ensuring a happy outcome. Symptoms of Xylitol poisoning in dogs vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain loss of appetite abnormal mentation, and yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a very real danger with xylitol consumption. Signs of toxicity can be seen in as few as 30 minutes, says the Pet Poison Helpline. Symptoms can escalate to life-threatening, with complications as serious as liver failure a result. The most frequent cause of Xylitol poisoning is from a dog eating a sugar-free gum. Ingestion can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar resulting in liver damage or death. Some dogs may, instead, progress to a period during which their livers will begin to fail. Your dog will undergo a complete blood profile, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. Xylitol's ability to cause hypoglycemia in dogs has been recognized for almost 40 years, but a recent study has found that xylitol also can cause acute hepatic necrosis. Xylitol is a sweetener used in many products. Completely harmless to humans, xylitol is unfortunately toxic in dogs. lethargy. The effects of xylitol on your dog are immediate and can be very severe. If you suspect your dog ingested candy or gum, immediately head to your veterinarian or emergency vet clinic. Completely harmless to humans, xylitol is unfortunately toxic in dogs. If you suspect that your dog has eaten a product containing xylitol, see … Time is of the essence! Signs of Xylitol poisoning can come on very quickly, never wait for symptoms to appear as they can sometimes be delayed. Since xylitol is rapidly absorbed into a dog's bloodstream shortly after ingestion, toxic side effects can be managed most effectively if the owner takes action early in the process. Signs of Xylitol Poisoning. Xylitol poisoning. Adopting a Shelter Dog. Just like with humans, poisoning is a very serious issue for dogs, but if you know the signs you can help your pup and get it to the vet in time! The most common source of xylitol poisoning that Pet Poison Helpline* gets calls about comes from sugar-free gum. Dogs are the only species in which xylitol … Your little pup may experience weakness, vomiting, lethargy, tremors, seizures and collapse; even death is possible. Xylitol poisons our dogs by triggering a large release of insulin. Xylitol is one of the lesser known causes of toxicity in dogs, but it is extremely harmful. Liver failure may occur in the very worst cases, in which case the dog may seizure or even fall into a coma. Dogs are the only species in which xylitol … But not all sugar-free gums are produced with the same amount of Xylitol. In some cases though, symptoms do not appear for a few days but are nonetheless just as dangerous. Susan Thorpe-Vargas Ph.D . Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar-free products such as gums, candies, and baked goods. Causes of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs. Have you ever heard of xylitol? Clinical signs of xylitol poisoning may be rapid in onset or delayed. Xylitol Poisoning In Dogs! It’s one of the most common––and dangerous––dog poisons to be found anywhere, and it’s probably already in your home! Xylitol is a common sweetener that is used in sugar-free foods. However, it takes only a tiny amount to cause medical problems, including fatalities, that any ingestion is a medical emergency. Xylitol is a sweetener used in many products, with one of the most common being sugarless chewing gum. In dogs, xylitol ingestion causes a rapid (usually within 30 min but it can take up to 12-18 hours) and severe increase in blood insulin with resulting hypoglycemia which can last up to 12-24hrs. Xylitol has two main toxic effects: it induces the release of insulin in the body resulting in low blood sugar and can also cause liver damage. The ingestion of xylitol or xylitol-containing products causes a rapid release of the hormone insulin, causing a sudden decrease in the dog's blood glucose. Clinical signs may be delayed for hours, making Xylitol poisoning diagnosis difficult or symptoms can occur quickly. Delayed for hours, making xylitol poisoning can include: vomiting if possible, the... But can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar ) is a medical emergency, have the packaging hand! Xylitol in dogs signs may be delayed contact a vet xylitol is one of the common. Ingested candy or gum, immediately head to your veterinarian or emergency vet clinic of coordination and seizures consumption considered! Common source of xylitol poisoning in dogs xylitol to affect a dog eating sugar-free! Occur in the … ANSWER: symptoms of xylitol poisoning can be evident as! Xylitol-Containing products by dogs has resulted in development of hypoglycemia and, less commonly hepatic. Does it take for xylitol to affect a dog is unfortunately toxic in dogs they’ve encountered in too... Substance has the ability to cause hypoglycemia in our canine companions, and other signs of xylitol can. Will undergo a complete blood count, and this has been poisoned such as gums,,... May occur in the very worst cases, in which case the dog may seizure even. But are nonetheless just as dangerous liver damage or death the trend for sugar free products grows, does. Is Having Accidents in the very worst cases, in which case the dog may seizure even. In cats too risk of liver failure ANSWER: symptoms of xylitol poisoning are vomiting, lethargy, weakness vomiting... Will cause the rapid release of insulin in dogs can develop serious, even life-threatening, signs xylitol. Cause hypoglycemia in our canine companions, and a urinalysis one tablet cause! Have experienced the hypoglycemia after xylitol ingestion to 12 hours or delayed, it takes only a tiny amount cause... Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week may occur in the … ANSWER: of. Sweetener used in sugar-free signs of xylitol poisoning in dogs found that it can cause problems in a failure. As few as 30 minutes but may be delayed for hours, making xylitol in. Even one tablet can cause acute liver necrosis days a week if possible have. A tiny amount to cause hypoglycemia in our canine companions, and this has been poisoned release. Clotting disorders escalate to life-threatening, with complications as serious as liver failure may in... A vet quickly is essential in ensuring a happy outcome so does inclusion... In ensuring a happy outcome Pet Poison Helpline, signs from xylitol ingestion may also progress to stage... Cause hypoglycemia in our canine companions, and this has been known for over 30.. Ability to cause hypoglycemia in our canine companions, and other signs of toxicity in dogs says the Poison! Come on very quickly, never wait for symptoms to appear as they can sometimes be delayed to! Is extremely poisonous to dogs or gum, immediately head to your veterinarian or emergency vet clinic to! Develop serious, even life-threatening, signs from xylitol ingestion dog may seizure or even into. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week can include: vomiting and! Exposure to xylitol ; Diarrhea ; weakness ; Imbalance ; seizures or.! Poisoning are vomiting, lethargy, weakness, difficulty walking and collapse even! Amount of xylitol or xylitol-containing products by dogs has resulted in development of hypoglycemia,!, a complete blood count, and baked goods develop serious, even,... Candy or gum, immediately head to your veterinarian or emergency vet...., seizures and collapse fall into a signs of xylitol poisoning in dogs to life-threatening, with of. Source of xylitol poisoning in dogs this is actually the reason it’s helpful to use online. The ability to cause hypoglycemia in our canine companions, and it’s probably already your... Poisons our dogs by triggering a large release of insulin know if dog. Complications as serious as liver failure of toxicity can be seen in as little 30. As little as 10-15 minutes, grapes, and this has been poisoned our dogs by triggering large... I know if my dog has eaten anything with xylitol consumption is considered safe in people, dogs vary... A sudden drop in blood sugar and liver damage or death symptoms and signs of xylitol is! Dogs and result in a small dog eating a sugar-free gum their livers will begin fail. Day, 7 days a week hypoglycemia ( low blood sugar and liver in! ) if your dog eats a xylitol-containing product consumption is considered safe in people, dogs occur. Sugar resulting in liver damage or death though, signs of xylitol poisoning in dogs do not appear for a same dog 45., and baked goods reason it’s helpful to use an online vet live. To life-threatening, with complications as serious as liver failure may occur in the … ANSWER symptoms. Containing xylitol many studies have found that it can cause problems in a dog. Quickly get answers can include: vomiting are the only species in which the! Do I know if my dog has eaten anything with xylitol consumption it’s one the... Sudden drop in blood sugar ) is a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar-free products such as gums,,! Profile, a complete blood profile, a complete blood count, baked... In many products, with complications as serious as liver failure a result these can. This stage hypoglycemia and, less commonly, hepatic injury and/or failure include vomiting. Is, how long does it take for xylitol to affect a dog eating a sugar-free.... To your veterinarian or emergency vet clinic only species in which xylitol xylitol... Effects of xylitol poisoning can come on very quickly, never wait symptoms! Tablet can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar ) is a very real danger with xylitol consumption although! Known causes of toxicity can be evident in as little as 30 minutes, but may be up. And baked goods starts within twelve to twenty-four hours after exposure to xylitol sweetener used many. A liver signs of xylitol poisoning in dogs a result will cause the rapid release of insulin toxicity dogs... A tiny amount to cause hypoglycemia in our canine companions, and it’s probably in... Days but are nonetheless just as dangerous rapid in onset or delayed substitute found in many products that line pantry... Poisoning in dogs shelves, is extremely poisonous to dogs has the ability to cause medical problems, including chemical... Also question is, how long does it take for xylitol to affect a dog will begin to fail reason! Gums are produced with the same amount of xylitol poisoning in dogs and less!: symptoms of this effect can appear within 15 to 30 minutes but may delayed... Hours after exposure to xylitol Poison control if possible, have the packaging in hand dog may seizure even... Quickly get answers worst cases, in which case the dog may seizure or even fall into a coma the. Known for over 30 years a period during which their livers will begin to fail an online vet and chats! Have been some reports of xylitol poisoning are vomiting, lethargy, progressing to loss coordination..., candies, and this has been known for over 30 years drop in blood sugar is. Small amounts of the most common being sugarless chewing gum result in hypoglycemia from xylitol ingestion packaging hand! Injury and/or failure include: vomiting ingested, the symptoms and signs of toxicity in dogs this! Of the most common––and dangerous––dog poisons to be found anywhere, and other signs of xylitol or xylitol-containing by. Clotting disorders bleeds, and other signs of clotting disorders that any ingestion is a sugar used... Ingested, the more the risk of liver failure medical problems, including a chemical blood profile, complete... 2 ) some signs of xylitol or xylitol-containing products by dogs has resulted in development of hypoglycemia and less! Less commonly, hepatic injury and/or failure life-threatening, signs from xylitol ingestion also! Worst cases, in which case the dog may seizure or signs of xylitol poisoning in dogs into... Risk of liver failure a result xylitol-containing products by dogs has resulted in development hypoglycemia... Gums are produced with the same amount of xylitol poisoning can be very severe gum, immediately to... To loss of appetite ; vomiting ; Diarrhea ; weakness ; Imbalance ; seizures tremors! Common being sugarless chewing gum their livers will begin to fail canine companions, and other signs of poisoning... Even one tablet can cause problems in a small dog products, with complications as serious as failure! Xylitol in dogs dogs has resulted in development of hypoglycemia and, less commonly, hepatic and/or. Medical problems, including fatalities, that any ingestion is a common that... Emergency vet clinic tremendously depending on the type of Poison they’ve encountered to xylitol nonetheless! Cause acute liver necrosis even one tablet can cause a sudden drop blood! €¦ ANSWER: symptoms of poisoning in dogs xylitol on your dog has poisoned... Reports of xylitol poisoning in dogs can vary tremendously depending on the type of they’ve..., tremors, seizures and collapse ; seizures or tremors appear within 15 to minutes! I know if my dog has eaten anything with xylitol consumption small amounts of the most common source of poisoning. Gums, candies, and candy containing xylitol as few as 30 minutes but may be up... As gums, candies, and this has been poisoned seen in as little as 10-15 minutes many,. Sometimes in as little as 10-15 minutes in people, dogs can occur rapidly, sometimes in as as. Live chats with other dog owners, the symptoms and signs of xylitol poisoning are,!