Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Also known as “wood sugar,” “birch sugar,” or “birch bark extract,”  xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many foods and other household items. Unfortunately, xylitol is also poisonous — and potentially lethal — to dogs.^1,2

Let’s take a look at poisoning symptoms, causes, and treatment, and how dog insurance can help you cover xylitol poisoning costs.

If you think your dog ingested xylitol or is displaying any of the symptoms below, contact an emergency vet immediately. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for 24/7 assistance.

Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs

Xylitol poisoning can cause serious illness in dogs. Effects can set in rapidly, but some symptoms may take as long as 12 to 24 hours to fully manifest in your pup.³

Signs of xylitol poisoning in dogs may include:¹

• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures
• Coma

Large amounts of ingested xylitol can cause acute liver failure and even death.²

How Much Xylitol Is Toxic to Dogs?

Even relatively small amounts of xylitol can be toxic to dogs, and larger amounts can cause potentially fatal effects. Unless you catch your pup in the act, it can be difficult to assess exactly how much they’ve had.²

Because xylitol can be life-threatening to a dog, consult with your vet if you think your furry friend might have ingested some.

What does xylitol do to dogs?

Xylitol can cause dogs to produce elevated amounts of insulin, a hormone that metabolizes sugar in the blood. Too much insulin can cause hypoglycemia — a condition where blood sugar drops to dangerously low levels.²

This drop in blood sugar can happen in as little as 30 minutes and can cause seizures, decreased liver function, or even death.²

What Can Cause Xylitol Poisoning Dogs?

Sources of xylitol may be more prevalent in your home than you think. Browse the lists below and be sure to check the labels of both food and non-food items around your home to help avoid accidental poisoning.

Foods that may contain xylitol

Some of the food items that can contain xylitol and put your pup at risk of poisoning include:³

• Chewing gum, candy, and mints
• Chocolate
• Butter or margarine-like spreads
• Baked goods
• Ice cream
• Certain peanut butter
• Other nut butters or spreads

Non-food items that may contain xylitol

Xylitol can be found in non-food products, too. A few common items around the house that may contain xylitol and present a risk to your pup are:^1,4

• Toothpaste and oral hygiene products
• Vitamins and other nutritional supplements
• Deodorants
• Cosmetics
• Hair care and skin care products
• Medications
• Sunscreens

Pet parents know how crafty dogs can be. A great way to prevent xylitol poisoning in dogs is to keep these and other potential sources of xylitol well out of paw’s reach.

Treating Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs

Xylitol poisoning in dogs is best treated by a veterinary professional. Call your vet, an emergency clinic, or one of these hotlines if you think your pup may have ingested xylitol:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline: (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Treatment options for xylitol poisoning can depend on how long the xylitol has been in your dog’s system.

In cases where ingestion is detected early — typically within 30 minutes — and your dog isn’t displaying symptoms of hypoglycemia, a veterinary professional might recommend induced vomiting to help get rid of the toxin. But if your dog appears hypoglycemic, induced vomiting isn’t recommended because it could further lower their blood sugar levels.¹

Treatment of xylitol poisoning commonly involves the use of an IV to provide fluids, replacement sugar, and electrolytes to your dog’s system. In more advanced cases, your vet may also recommend medications to help prevent or lessen liver injury.¹

Depending on how severe the poisoning is, your dog may need to be hospitalized and monitored further.¹

Can dogs recover from xylitol poisoning?

Yes, dogs can recover from xylitol poisoning, but it's important to act quickly. The majority of dogs who are treated early and with the right methods recover well and return to good health.¹

However, if your dog develops liver damage after ingesting xylitol, they may have a harder time recovering.¹

MetLife Pet Insurance Can Help You Cover Xylitol Poisoning Costs

Dog parents know that even the most well-behaved pups can get into things they shouldn’t. When that happens, a dog insurance policy with MetLife Pet can help you manage expenses related to accidental poisoning — like with xylitol — by reimbursing you up to 90% of covered costs.⁵

A Boxer puppy named Jonta needed to be hospitalized after eating chewing gum sweetened with xylitol. The total bill came to over $1,500, and MetLife Pet reimbursed Jonta’s family more than $1,150.⁶

Considering a dog insurance policy? Get a free quote from MetLife Pet Insurance today.