More Dogs Poisoned by Xylitol found in Sugarless Gum in Last Decade

The number of dogs being accidentally poisoned by the sugar substitute, xylitol, found in some sugar-free gums and other foods, has increased significantly over the past decade.  Xylitol has not only the capacity to make your dog ill but has the potential to kill them.   Xylitol has been deemed safe for human consumption.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal Report, experts say xylitol is about 100 times more toxic as milk chocolate is to dogs.

The number of calls to the ASPCA Poison Center involving xylitol increased from 82 dogs  in 2004 to over 3,700 dogs last year.  Nearly 12 dogs died last year from xylitol.

One of the reasons the number of poisonings is on the rise is that it is a common ingredient in candies, mints, diabetes friendly foods and oral care products.  Xylitol has a sweet taste which makes dogs attracted to these products.

Warning labels on products with xylitol are being asked to be placed on them by some animal groups.

Signs of xylitol poisoning are vomiting, severe low blood sugar, seizures — even liver failure — in dogs. Get your dog to a veterinarian ASAP!

I admit I  have chewed sugarless gum containing xylitol for years.  One of my former dogs, Lady, had an affinity to dig through my purse to find pieces of the sweet-tasting treat.  Since I was aware of the dangers, I always took it away from her if she was able to find it.   I also had another dog, Jazz, who in his later years was also increasingly drawn to the same gum.  He was also determined to find it (not to the extent of Lady)  to chew it.  Neither Lady nor Jazz ingested the gum.

My current dog,, Brody, is always searching for my gum.  He can find a piece of gum that is so far hidden from view with that nose of his.  He is relentless and so am I.  Because of his propensity to search for it,  I’m always watching what he has in his mouth. Always.

I’ve never had an emergency with my dogs and my gum and I feel very fortunate. Other dog owners aren’t so lucky.

Dr. Ashley Gallagher with the Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington D.C. says the key is vigilance on the part of dog owners.  I am fortunate for no emergencies with my dogs but as the vet says, I am vigilant on my part to keep Brody away from my one vice- sugarless gum.

“You just have to be really careful because dogs are nosy little creatures and they are hungry all the time. I know my dogs are, and they are just looking for a treat. So you have to really watch them,” Gallagher said.

Xylitol has a similar sweetness as regular sugar, but contains 40% fewer calories:

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