Not all sugar-free products are created equally. At least not for my canine friends. In fact, one of the artificial sweeteners, XYLITOL, is extremely dangerous to dogs. So it’s important to know if you have food, gum, or candy containing XYLITOL in the house. If you do, take extra precautions to keep it away from your canine companions. Believe me, it’s worth the effort.
Why is XYLITOL so dangerous to dogs?
XYLITOL causes increased insulin production in dogs, which can cause low blood sugar. Dogs with low blood sugar may be weak or unable to walk. They may have tremors or seizures which can lead to death.
In some canine patients, XYLITOL causes liver failure. Depending on the severity, liver failure may or may not be fatal. Unfortunately, liver transplants are not available for dogs at this time.
Dogs that eat XYLITOL may also develop a coagulopathy, which means their blood won’t clot normally. This can lead to internal bleeding, which can lead to death.
What should you do if your dog eats a product containing XYLITOL?
First of all, don’t panic. Try to assess how much of the product your dog actually ate and prevent them from eating more of it.
Next, contact your veterinarian. They may ask you to make your dog throw up. If you aren’t able to accomplish this, ask your veterinarian for help.
You may also be asked to contact a poison hotline, such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, where you can speak with a toxicologist. These veterinarians work with poisonings or suspected poisonings every day and have access to the most up-to-date information. Their help can be invaluable.
How is XYLITOL poisoning treated?
There is no antidote to XYLITOL, but early supportive care may help prevent problems later on. Depending on how much XYLITOL your dog actually ate, initial treatment might include:
- intravenous fluids
- dextrose supplementation (to raise blood sugar levels)
- blood sugar monitoring
- liver enzyme monitoring
Patients who develop liver failure or coagulopathy need intensive care and may be hospitalized for several days. They may benefit from blood and/or plasma transfusions.
Can dogs live a normal life after eating XYLITOL?
It depends on how much XYLITOL they ate, if they received treatment, and how their body responded. Some dogs recover fully; others don’t survive.
Remember, the best way to keep your best friend safe is to keep XYLITOL out of reach.
