In the dental office, a sugar substitute called xylitol is often used in products such as tooth paste, dental floss, and mouth rinse. This is great for our patients because it can prevent tooth decay and kill mouth bacteria! But did you know that if your pup finds and consumes any item containing xylitol, it can be potentially fatal?
A dog who ingests xylitol can become hypoglycemic (having low blood sugar), and may require an emergency trip to the vet to be treated.
The most common xylitol-containing product that dogs tend to find is sugarless gum. Being especially mindful of where you leave your gum “car cups” is essential, as these contain several pieces of gum and can be especially
dangerous for your dog.
Where else might your dog find a harmful dose of xylitol? This sugar substitute is frequently used in sugar-free iterations of foods like peanut butter, candy,
pudding, "skinny" ice cream, energy bars, and protein powder. So, make sure to read your product labels and keep these items out of reach!
If you suspect your furry friend has consumed something containing xylitol, and you see any symptoms such as vomiting, decreased activity, weakness, staggering, collapse or seizures, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. If
you do not see symptoms, you may also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 to determine the seriousness of the exposure and indicated next steps.
We write a blog post every month to keep our patients and our community updated on important dental topics, so be sure to check back here often! And don't forget: we love your questions! We welcome discussion of these blog topics or anything you're curious about. Our patient family is the best part of our practice, and we are grateful for you!