Xylitol: The Everyday Sweetener That Can Kill a Dog
Where it hides
Xylitol (sometimes labeled 'birch sugar') is in sugar-free gum and mints, some peanut butters, protein bars, baked goods, toothpaste, mouthwash, chewable vitamins and some medications. Even a stick or two of gum can poison a small dog.
What it does
In dogs, xylitol triggers a massive insulin release, crashing blood sugar within 10–60 minutes — weakness, stumbling, collapse, seizures. Larger doses can cause liver failure. Cats are rarely affected, but dogs are exquisitely sensitive.
If your dog eats it
This is a genuine emergency. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately — do not wait for symptoms, and do not induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
Simple prevention
Keep purses, backpacks and gym bags off the floor — gum in a bag is the classic case. Check peanut butter labels before using it for pills or lick mats, and keep all 'sugar-free' anything out of reach.
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