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What happens if my dog ate a tablespoon of Crest toothpaste?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 75 lbs

My 12 year old lab ate about a tablespoon of Crest toothpaste. She shows no signs of illness. Is this a dangerous amount for an adult dog?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on November 3rd, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This particular toothpaste in general does not contain xylitol which is the concerning ingredient sometimes found in some toothpastes. I recommend you double check that this is not an ingredient of the specific crest toothpaste variant you may have. If xylitol is not part of it then she is likely going to be just fine though some dogs may get some stomach upset. If it does in fact have xylitol then she would have to be evaluated right away as that would be a medical emergency as that can cause liver toxicity and seizures. Good luck and have a good night!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on July 5th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using PetCoach!

Goldie should be fine if it was only a very small amount. The concern is for the xylitol and some what the fluoride in the toothpaste. If you want to be 100% sure I would call Pet Poison control with the exact type of Crest toothpaste and the maximum amount she could have eaten. They can calculate if it was a toxic enough dose of xyltiol.

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

I wish you and Goldie the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Catherine Stecyk
Veterinarian
Published on April 28th, 2019
Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sorry to hear that Chief may have ingested some toothpaste - he may experience some GI upset such as vomiting or diarrhea, but he should otherwise be fine. I hope this is helpful!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 28th, 2019
Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Finley. If you know there is xylitol in the toothpaste, you need to take her into a vet immediately. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, and ingestion is a medical emergency. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck, I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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