My dog chewed xylitol gum, didn't swallow, seems fine. Is he okay?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 22nd, 2021

  Hi and thanks for your request regarding Max's problem.
  
  Dosages of xylitol greater than ~75–100 mg/kg (34–45 mg/lb) have been associated with hypoglycemia in dogs. So the dosage Max may have eaten could cause NO clinical signs at all.
  Signs of hypoglycemia can develop within 30 minutes of ingestion of xylitol or may be delayed up to 12–18 hours.
  Signs of liver injury may not occur until ≥24–48 hours after ingestion of xylitol, although increases in liver enzymes are often detectable within 8–12 hours of ingestion.
  Clinical signs of hypoglycemia include vomiting, weakness, ataxia (incoordination), depression, hypokalemia, seizures, and coma may occur within the first 24 hours.
  Continue to strictly monitor him in case he shows any of the above mentioned signs and in case take him immediately to your vet.

  

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• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 17th, 2018

  Xylitol is highly toxic and it can be fatal. Symptoms typically appear rapidly within 15-30 minutes after ingestion, and if it's been an hour, it might be that Dot didn't eat the gum. Signs of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, weakness, lack of coordination, lethargy, tremors, and seizures. If you see any of those signs, she has to see a vet immediately. Best of luck.

  

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• Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 1st, 2018

  Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
  
  Sugar free gum can be a problem if it contains the artificial sweeter called Xylitol. If it has been 10 hours since the ingestion and Chewy has been otherwise normal, I wouldn't worry too much as most signs appear within an hour after ingestion, but to be on the safe side, you may want to look out for signs such as weakness, trouble walking, seizure activity, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you notice Chewy experiencing any of these signs, please take Chewy into see an emergency veterinarian.
  
  I hope this helps and thanks again for posting!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 3rd, 2019

  Thank you for your question.
  Based on experience at the ASPCA
  APCC (animal poison control center), dogs ingesting > 0.1 g/kg of xylitol should be considered at risk for developing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), while doses of > 0.5 g/kg may be hepatotoxic (damaging to the liver).
  This would be equal to 100 mg/kg. If a 20 lb (9kg) dog ate .004mg of xylitol, this would be a dose of 0.0004 mg per kg so not toxic.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful