XYLITOL FOR DOGS, WHY ITS TOXIC, SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

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Last Updated on January 26, 2024 by Thee Puppypreneur

Table Of Contents

WHAT IS XYLITOL FOR DOGS

FIRST IT SHOULD BE NOTED XYLITOL IS NOT FOR DOGS AND IS TOXIC!

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in plants, including many fruits and vegetables. ¹ It is a sugar-free substitute and often replaces sugar in many foods and products.

Although xylitol is naturally occurring it is highly toxic to dogs unlike the stevia plant which is not toxic to dogs. ²

WHY IS XYLITOL TOXIC TO DOGS

Xylitol is considered safe for diabetics because it has little to no effect on your insulin levels and it is absorbed slowly.

Xylitol for dogs causes rapid release of insulin that can result in hypoglycemia also known as low blood sugar because the dogs body thinks it is getting glucose. ³

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF XYLITOL POISONING IN DOGS

In as little as 30 minutes you may start to notice some of these symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs;

Vomiting
Seizures
Impaired Coordination
Lethargy

-If you suspect that -your dog has ingested something toxic take your furbaby to your local veterinarian or your poison control help line at 855-764-7661

WHAT FOODS AND PRODUCTS CONTAIN XYLITOL

Sugar Free Items are not the only ones that contain xylitol. I actually was using an herbal remedy for my hair that I purchased instead of made and I noticed that contained xylitol in it as well.

So, you shouldn’t just assume all sugar free, or food items only contain xylitol. Toothpaste can also have it as well so make sure you keep items off the floor and out of reach of pets.

HOW IS XYLITOL TOXICITY IN DOGS DIAGNOSED

CBC
Serum Chemistry Profile
Urinalysis

Will be done to check your dog’s organ functions and glucose levels.

HOW IS XYLITOL POISONING IN DOGS TREATED

Depending on the amount of ingestion and the clinical symptoms presenting, vomiting may be induced. Activated charcoal may or may not be used as it doesn’t bind to the xylitol well enough but still may be beneficial. ⁴

Your veterinarian will want to start your dog on an IV of dextrose, also known as glucose which is a simple sugar, and which is also a product used to treat low blood sugar levels. ⁵

It also is used in this dog electrolyte solution which can support healthy hydration of fluid levels

Amazon.com : NaturVet Pet Electrolyte Concentrate for Dogs and Cats, 16 oz Liquid Concentrate, Made in The USA with Globally Source Ingredients : Pet Health Care Supplies : Pet Supplies

Supportive care for your furbaby is going to be a must after your veterinarian releases them home. You are going to want to support the dog’s liver as xylitol has an effect on the dog’s liver enzymes and could cause liver failure in severe cases and so supportive care is a must.

This can be done with milk thistle

Amazon.com: Organic Milk Thistle Extract, 3.5 Ounces, Pure Milk Thistle Powder Organic, Milk Thistle Tea, Contains 80% Active Silymarin, Strongly Supports Liver Health and Antioxidant, Vegan Friendly : Health & Household

or SamE

Amazon.com : Coco and Luna Same for Dogs – S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine, Liver Supplements for Dogs – Brain Supplement for Dogs, Promotes Cognitive Support, Dog Liver Support Supplement : Pet Supplies

as they are both liver protectants. S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) 18 mg/kg by mouth, every 24 hours ⁶ was administered to a chihuahua that ingested xylitol and the dog survived and all liver values returned to normal after one month of treatment.

Check out our other articles for other information on other things that could be toxic to your furbaby such as;

CAN DOGS EAT BANANAS? HEALTH BENEFITS AND 1 NEW DANGER OF FEEDING YOUR DOG BANANAS