While many dog owners know chocolate is toxic to dogs, another sweet treat may pose an even bigger danger to your canine companion. Many brands of sugarless gum contain xylitol as a sugar substitute. VCA Animal Hospitals states that xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, estimating it to be 100 times more toxic than chocolate. While keeping sugarless gum away from your dog is essential, a determined dog may find a way to sneak a piece. Knowing the signs of xylitol poisoning and getting immediate veterinary care decrease the risk of complications or death.
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What Xylitol Does to Your Dog̵7;s Body
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Xylitol is a natural sweetener that is safe for human consumption. Unfortunately, when your dog ingests xylitol, his body processes it a little differently. When your dog eats even a small amount of xylitol, it triggers his pancreas to release a large amount of insulin. This release of insulin causes your dog̵7;s blood sugar levels to drop drastically, resulting in hypoglycemia. Untreated hypoglycemia can lead to liver failure and death.
Symptoms Associated With Xylitol Toxicity
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After your dog eats sugarless gum containing xylitol, symptoms can surface as soon as 15 minutes. These symptoms can include lethargy, vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, weakness, tremors, weakness, diarrhea and bleeding. You may notice signs of jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, eyes and gums. Internal bleeding can also occur, and red blood patches, or blister-like bumps, may erupt on your dog̵7;s gums.
How Much Gum Is Too Much?
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It doesn̵7;t take much xylitol to poison your dog -- even that tiny piece of gum could be too much. A dose of 0.1 grams per kilogram of body weight is enough to cause severe hypoglycemia. Depending on the amount of xylitol in your favorite brand of gum, a single piece is enough to provide a toxic dose to a small dog. A full pack of gum could cause complete liver failure. In addition to sugar-free gum, you may also find xylitol in sugar-free candy, breath mints, toothpaste and other sugar-free products.
Treatment and Prognosis
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Because xylitol acts so quickly, it is essential to get immediate veterinary treatment if you suspect your dog has helped himself to your pack of gum. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will take blood samples to determine the extent of the toxicity. Treatment may include sugar replacement, intravenous fluids and medications to protect the liver. If treated early, the prognosis is generally good, however, once liver failure or internal bleeding begins, the chance of recovery is poor.
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