In humans, xylitol doesn’t cause the pancreas to release insulin (and is even safe for diabetics, as it’s glycemic index is less than 1/10 of regular sugar). It’s popular in many human grocery products because it gives a sweet taste but without the calories. Be alert for anything labeled “sugar free.” This is a red flag, because while other artificial sweeteners are available, xylitol is very popular. But if 250 mg/lb. People can buy xylitol in bulk to bake sweet treats at home. It’s regularly found in sugar-free chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, vitamin supplements, a small handful of peanut butter brands, and other 'low sugar' or sugar-free products. See, https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/paws-xylitol-its-dangerous-dogs, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/xylitol-toxicity-in-dogs, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/xylitol-101, https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/uncategorized/xylitol-its-everywhere/, https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/poisoning-toxicity/6-dangerous-and-surprising-items-contain-xylitol, What xylitol is and the common products that contain it. Some dogs do not display hypoglycemia signs in severe overdoses before the onset of liver failure (hepatic necrosis). is swallowed, severe liver damage or even death can occur. Gradual increases of the medication over time is recommended to alleviate these effects. I am planning on taking this information to the national media so that other dog owners, like me and my friends, will avoid products that contain xylitol. They will guide you as to what to do next. + Click to see the sources for this article. Simply click the image below and to get a poster-sized version that you can print out and post. Signs of xylitol toxicity can occur within 10 to 15 minutes of a pet eating xylitol but may be delayed for several hours. With more severe signs (e.g., severe liver damage, clotting abnormalities and jaundice) or delayed treatment, then collapse, coma and death are a real possibility. In cases where gum with xylitol was ingested, the hypoglycemia may be delayed for up to 12 hours. A note to cat and ferret owners: Xylitol does not seem to be as dangerous for cats and other pets. Time is of the essence. Treatment will depend on the timing of ingestion, the time to decontamination, the amount of xylitol ingested by the dog or cat, the clinical signs seen, and the results of the blood work. Each report is evaluated to determine how serious the problem is and, if necessary, additional information may be requested from the person who filed the report. Gilpatrick, John. If you can successfully get your dog to vomit, there’s a good chance some of the xylitol will get out of their system. In the particular case of xylitol, it can have short-term and long-term consequences. However, when non-primate species like dogs eat something containing xylitol, the xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in a potent release of insulin from the pancreas. The longer xylitol is in your dog’s system, the more damage it can cause. Doctors don't know of any interactions with other herbs, supplements , drugs, or foods. In some cases though, symptoms do not appear for a few days but are nonetheless just as dangerous. In people, xylitol does not stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas. “Xylitol: Everything You Need to Know.” Healthline. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Corresponding peak concentration is approximately 0.464 mcg/mL following a 0.2 mg/kg oral dose. There have been no reports of cats experiencing xylitol toxicity, as cats do not seem to have the same problem of excessive insulin secretion as do dogs. But, if the pet is already showing signs of low blood glucose, then forcing them to vomit could do more harm than good. In the 21st century, the thought of buying a deadly poison with your groceries is laughable. Last but not least, keep xylitol out of reach of pets, especially dogs. How does xylitol affect dogs? To put this into perspective a single piece of sugar free gum can contain 1g - 1.5g of xylitol. If you give your dog nut butter as a treat or as a vehicle for pills, check the label first to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol. Signs of dog xylitol poisoning can include: Interactions. If a pet eats a product containing xylitol, don’t wait for the symptoms to develop. Remember that some dogs are adept at counter surfing. Anyone with a dog should be aware of xylitol and its potential to do harm. Xylitol is present in many products and foods for human use, but can have devastating effects on your pet. If you suspect your pet may have ingested anything poisonous, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control by calling 855-764-7661. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease. Without exception, call the vet immediately and seek emergency help. July 9, 2019. Generally, Benadryl is a rapid-acting medicine. Or share this article with your friends on social media. Here are some rough guidelines: Xylitol can result in severe poisoning in dogs, and possibly in cats, in as little as 15–30 minutes. If left untreated for too long, it may even kill your dog. Blood work may need to be repeated several times a day to monitor the status of the pet. 1.5 tablespoons of xylitol-containing … If you suspect or know your pet ate a product containing xylitol, the first thing is to give pet food or a source of sugar (Karo syrup or pancake syrup). Dr. Hartogensis says, "Check the label for xylitol in the ingredients of products, especially ones that advertise as sugar-free or low sugar. (In as little as 15 minutes, the blood sugar of a dog that has eaten gum containin… The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. “6 Dangerous (and Surprising) Items That Contain Xylitol.” PetMD. “What Is Xylitol?” International Food Information Council Foundation. Seek immediate veterinary attention and bring your pet to your family vet or the emergency clinic as soon as possible. If you think your dog has eaten xylitol, take him to your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately, Hartogensis advises. But, that doesn’t mean they’re safe yet. In both people and dogs, the level of blood sugar is controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. These protect the damaged liver and encourage it to repair. Once some of the symptoms have lessened, you should still take your dog in to have their blood sugar levels monitored. If a product does contain xylitol, make sure your pet can't get to it." The vet will then monitor the patient closely, including taking regular blood glucose readings. Ferret owners, however, should be careful, as ferrets have been known to develop low blood sugar and seizures, like dogs, after eating products containing xylitol. This is why it is so important to take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice these symptoms. With higher doses, xylitol toxicity can also cause severe, irreversible liver damage. Oct. 4, 2018. 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. In the long term, it can cause liver damage and failure. Depends on the dog, how much they ate, and what supportive care is being given. There have been no reported deaths associated with those dogs that developed uncomplicated hypoglycemia. Gum isn’t the only product containing xylitol. In dogs, xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and results in a large insulin release, which triggers the symptoms mentioned above. So you need to get help fast. 2015. But you may not know that if Hoover sticks his nose in your handbag and eats a pack of sugarless chewing gum, the consequences could be deadly. These days, animal poison control centers receive thousands of calls across North America about accidental xylitol poisoning in pets. Are there any risk factors for this medication? Hypoglycemia typically lasts 6-12 hours but can last up to several days. In high doses, xylitol may cause liver failure. Like many dog owners, you know chocolate can be dangerous to your pooch. Check Now: Blue Buffalo • Science Diet • Purina • Wellness • 4health • Canine Carry Outs • Friskies • Taste of the Wild • See 200+ more brands…. The clinician may also need to correct swings in the body’s electrolyte levels, which can also be potentially dangerous. In-store bakeries also are selling baked goods containing the sweetener. Should hypoglycemia develop, supplementation with intravenous dextrose is needed until the dog can self-regulate its blood glucose concentrations (typically 12-48 hours). The compound doesnt affect glucose levels in people, but when ingested by dogs it can cause a dangerous surge of insulin. But if people can eat xylitol, then why not dogs? In addition: The FDA wants to know if your pet encounters safety issues with a product, and/or unanticipated harmful effects that you believe are related to a product. This rapid release of insulin may result in a rapid and profound decrease in the level of blood sugar (hypoglycemia), an effect that can occur within 10 to 60 minutes of eating the xylitol. Over the past several years, the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received several reports—many of which pertained to chewing gum—of dogs being poisoned by xylitol, according to Martine Hartogensis, a veterinarian at the FDA. It only takes 0.1 grams per kg of body weight for a dog to be affected, so a 6–7-pound (3-kg) chihuahua will get sick from eating just 0.3 grams of xylitol. When it comes to any type of poisoning, the sooner you identify the poison and treat it, the better the outcome. Wismer said some xylitol used in candies and mints is in a powder that is absorbed quickly in the system, causing signs of illness in 30 minutes. That is, if a pet is experiencing something we know to be pai… However, it’s different in canines: When dogs eat something containing xylitol, the xylitol is more quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, and may result in a potent release of insulin from the pancreas. The .gov means it’s official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. When as little as 50 mg per pound of dog weight of xylitol is consumed, low blood sugar can occur. Now, veterinarians are guided by the principle of assuming pain. The following signs of xylitol ingestion can begin to occur as soon as 30 minutes after consumption: Liver complications may develop after a day or so, and signs include: The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of xylitol swallowed and the weight of the dog. “To our knowledge, other sweeteners like saccharin, aspartame, malitol, sorbitol and sucralose are not toxic in pets, as long as they are not ingested in significant amounts. 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. To learn more about xylitol and which products it can be found in, visit. Making the pet vomit if they are a little sleepy can have serious consequences, so this is definitely a case of “Don’t try this at home.”. Clinical signs of liver damage can include diarrhea, spontaneous bleeding and bruising, and vomiting. They will guide you as to what to do next. However, some human medications are safe for use with dogs, as long as they are used appropriately. Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs: Sweeteners can Kill (common pet poisons) All in all, treatment requires careful monitoring of the patient and proactive reactions by the clinician to keep the patient on an even keel. And you may have heard or read news stories about dogs that have died or become very ill after eating products containing xylitol. “Xylitol: It’s Everywhere!” Pet Poison Helpline. DO NOT make the pet sick (unless first instructed to do so by the vet). Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. Elizabeth has probably suffered extensive, possibly permanent, liver damage from xylitol. An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, Paws Off Xylitol; It's Dangerous for Dogs, sugar-free desserts, including "skinny" ice cream. With mild signs (e.g., low blood sugar) and prompt treatment, the outcome is typically good. “Paws Off Xylitol; It’s Dangerous for Dogs.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The site is secure. Peak drug concentrations can be expected to occur within about 7.5 hrs after oral administration. In the short term, it does weird things to the pet’s blood sugar levels, triggering the equivalent of a diabetic coma. So what’s to be done? With severe cases of xylitol poisoning in pets, liver failure and clotting problems can occur. Signs of poisoning: Within 10-15 minutes of ingestion dogs may develop hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and start vomiting, become uncoordinated or start staggering. If you have questions or concerns, call your vet, who is best equipped to ensure the health and well-being of your pet. If you’re going to chew gum and have pets, make sure xylitol isn’t found in your gum or baked goods. Xylitol is on the list of foods that are fine for people but potentially dangerous to dogs. In the less than 1/1000 dogs who develop acute liver failure, the mortality rate is 70-80%. All of which means you should always read the full ingredient lists, before anything designed for humans passes your pet’s lips. Within 15 to 20 minutes, they might even be comatose, she adds, and depending on the amount consumed, a dog can also experience liver failure from ingesting xylitol. Because hypoglycemia and other serious adverse effects may not occur in some cases for up to 12 to 24 hours, your dog may need to be hospitalized for medical monitoring. This may buy a short amount of time so that you can get to the vet. Jan. 3, 2019. Gunnars, Kris. Back in the 19th century, when people wanted to get rid of a rat infestation they went to the chemist shop and right off the shelf bought arsenic or cyanide. Cats appear to be spared, at least in part, by their disdain for sweets. It was a misguided approach, and modern veterinary medicine no longer works that way. At the beginning of the century, only a few cases of xylitol toxicity in pets had been reported. Some even thought that a little pain was good for a pet because it kept them from overdoing it during recovery from a surgery. And yet lots of regular, everyday products contain xylitol, which is potentially toxic to pets. Dog owners should know that xylitol can be toxic to dogs, even when the relatively small amounts from candies are eaten. Xylitol messes with the pet’s blood sugar levels. “Read the labels of any sugar-free products in your kitchen, your bathroom and your purse. Vomiting and seizures can also occur, as well as weakness and collapse. Activated charcoal does not bind well to xylitol and is not recommended. There is no xylitol “antidote” as such, but what the vet will do is artificially support blood glucose levels by giving glucose intravenously. Brutlag says ingesting xylitol causes a rapid and massive insulin release in dogs, which will manifest itself outwardly to a pet owner as acute weakness, staggering, and vomiting. Keep products that contain xylitol (including those you don’t think of as food, such as toothpaste) well out of your dog’s reach. Right away. This deprives the organs and body tissue of power — much like unplugging a car battery so the vehicle can’t run. But for dogs, xylitol poisoning is a major problem, according to Ahna Brutlag, DVM, associate director of veterinary services at Pet Poison Helpline. If the pet survives the initial insult but has a “liver toxic dose,” the use of liver protectants such as S-Adenosyl methionine (SAMe) may be necessary (typically for 1–2 weeks). If you are a dog owner, be aware that xylitol can be toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Some pediatric dentists also recommend xylitol-containing chewing gum for children, and these products could end up in a dog’s mouth by accident. They would only need to eat 1g of xylitol to suffer low blood sugar and 5g to also suffer from liver failure. Xylitol, like many other products, comes with a best-by date.That’s the period for how long the quality of the product should remain the best. How Much Xylitol is Toxic to a Dog? The signs described below are for information purposes only and no one should wait to see if they develop … because missing the window of opportunity before the pet becomes sick can have serious consequences. Symptoms can escalate to life-threatening, with complications as serious as liver failure a result. And either ban these products from your house and your purse or secure them very carefully to prevent your pets from ever getting into them,” she advises. T tied down no longer works that way has a large dose of xylitol to suffer low blood (. 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