A couple of the most popular New Year’s resolutions that people make are to lose weight and quit smoking. They may go out and stock up on sugar-free candy, cookies, mints and chewing gum. Did you know that these products could be lethal for your dog? They contain Xylitol, as do many pharmaceuticals including oral health products such as toothpaste, breath fresheners, smoking cessation aids such as Nicorette gum, chewable vitamins and throat lozenges.

What is Xylitol?

It’s an all-natural sugar alcohol derived from beets, raspberries, plums, birch tree bark, corncobs and other natural sources. While popular as a sugar substitute in Europe for decades, it’s relatively new to the US. While Xylitol does not require insulin for metabolism, it triggers insulin production in dogs causing normal blood sugar levels to drop rapidly. Signs include depression, vomiting, loss of balance and weakness. They can have seizures, develop internal hemorrhages or lesions, and suffer liver failure. As little as 2 pieces of gum containing Xylitol can be toxic to a 20 lb dog while 3 grams of Xylitol (roughly 8 – 10 pieces of gum) can kill a 65 lb dog.

Manufacturers use varying amounts of Xylitol in their products. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a product containing Xylitol, regardless of the amount, seek immediate veterinary care. While symptoms may develop as soon as 30 minutes after ingestion, it could take as long as 12 hours for smaller doses. Treatment includes inducing vomiting if caught early enough, glucose drips and IV fluids. Xylitol can be found in many common products such as Flinstone’s Vitamins, Jello sugar-free pudding, Trident, Orbit, Stride, Icebreakers and Altoids. Remember that baked goods could contain Xylitol so unless you baked it yourself or its ingredients are labeled – don’t feed it to your dog. Keep purses, bags and backpacks off the floor and out of reach of pets. Ensure visitors take the same precautions with suitcases, etc.