Why?

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in thousands of products — sugar-free gum is the most notorious, but it also appears in peanut butter, vitamins, mouthwash, yogurt, candy, and baked goods. In dogs (but not humans), xylitol triggers a rapid and massive release of insulin from the pancreas, causing severe hypoglycemia within 30–60 minutes.

At higher doses, xylitol causes acute hepatic necrosis — liver cell death — that can progress to liver failure and death within 72 hours, sometimes without preceding hypoglycemia. The mechanism for liver toxicity is not fully understood but is separate from the insulin effect.

Xylitol content varies significantly by product. One piece of sugar-free gum typically contains 0.3–1.0g of xylitol — enough to cause hypoglycemia in a 20-lb dog. Checking ingredient labels of any sugar-free, "diet," or "natural sweetener" product before offering it to a dog is essential.

How much is dangerous?

Hypoglycemia occurs at approximately 0.1g per kg of body weight. Liver failure risk increases at 0.5g/kg or higher. One piece of sugar-free gum can be toxic for a dog under 20 lbs.

What are the symptoms?

ONSET:Hypoglycemia signs begin within 15–30 minutes of ingestion. Liver failure develops 12–72 hours later.
  • vomiting within 30 minutes
  • sudden weakness or collapse
  • staggering (ataxia)
  • tremors or seizures
  • coma
  • yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice — liver failure sign)
  • black tarry stools (internal bleeding)

What should I do?

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This is an immediate life-threatening emergency. Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (+1 888-426-4435) right now. Do not induce vomiting without veterinary guidance. Hospitalization, IV glucose, and liver function monitoring are required.

Frequently asked questions.

Which peanut butter brands contain xylitol?

Check the label of every peanut butter you feed your dog. Brands known to have used xylitol include Go Nuts Co, Krush Nutrition, Nuts 'N More, and P28. Labels change — always check.

What sugar-free products contain xylitol?

Trident, Orbit, and Ice Breakers gum; Tic Tac Mints; many chewable vitamins; some brands of yogurt, mouthwash, nasal spray, and laxatives. The label will list "xylitol" in the ingredients.

How much xylitol is too much?

For a 10-lb dog: as little as 0.45g causes hypoglycemia. One piece of Trident gum contains ~0.17g — two to three pieces reaches the threshold.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Every dog is different. Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog's diet or in the event of a potential poisoning emergency.