My dog ate sugar-free gum. Is it dangerous?
If the gum or mints contain xylitol, yes, it can be. Xylitol makes a dog's body release insulin, and blood sugar can drop dangerously within 30 to 60 minutes.
Act fast
Don't wait for symptoms. Check the label for xylitol, “birch sugar” or E967, then call your vet or a poison line now.
How much xylitol is dangerous for a dog?
- More than 0.1 g per kg of body weight: risk of dangerously low blood sugar.
- More than 0.5 g per kg: possible liver failure.
For a 10 kg (22 lb) dog, that's about 1 gram of xylitol for the blood sugar risk. Gum varies a lot: when xylitol isn't the first sweetener listed, vets often estimate about 0.3 g per piece. When it is listed first, a piece can contain much more.
Where xylitol hides
- Sugar-free gum and breath mints
- Some peanut butters and nut butters
- Sugar-free candy, baked goods and sweeteners
- Some toothpastes, mouthwashes and chewable vitamins
On labels it can also appear as “birch sugar” or, in Europe and the UK, E967.
Signs to watch for
- Weakness, wobbly walking, seeming “drunk”
- Vomiting
- Trembling, collapse or seizures
- Later: yellow gums or eyes, tiredness (liver)
Low blood sugar can start within 30 to 60 minutes, and sometimes up to 12 hours with gum. Liver problems can show up after 12 to 72 hours.
24/7 animal poison lines
ASPCA Animal Poison Control(888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline(855) 764-7661
US & Canada, a fee may apply. Outside North America, call your nearest emergency vet.