It seems innocent enough, but eating even a
couple of pieces of sugarless gum by a dog can lead to a life threatening
situation. Take a look at your pack of gum or mints and you will
likely see the ingredient Xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is
used as a sweetener in many products such as sugar-free gum, mints, and
baked goods. Its use as a sugar substitute has grown rapidly over the
past few years as it is safe in people.
Unfortunately, dogs are very
sensitive to its effects and can quickly develop life threatening liver
disease or low blood sugar levels with a relatively small dose. Once
ingested, xylitol is rapidly absorbed and the side effects can be seen very
quickly. Therefore, it is extremely important to let your veterinarian
know and bring in your pet as soon as possible if your dog ingests something
containing xylitol.
Vomiting is ususally the first sign.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) often develops within 30-60 minutes of
ingestion, though it can be delayed for up to 12 hours. Typical signs
you may notice as the blood sugar drops are lethargy and weakness which can
progress to seizures or other neurological signs. We can typically
treat the low blood sugar effectively with intravenous fluids and dextrose
supplementation as long as we start quickly enough.
Recently, there have been
increasing reports of liver enzyme elevations as well as clotting disorders
(coagulopathies). Increased liver enzymes are usually noted within 12
to 24 hours, but can take as long as 72 hours. The damage to the liver
can be much more sever and will typically need more aggressive monitoring
and treatment.
Unfortunately, many people do not recognize
the dangers of xylitol ingestion. Even though it is safe for people,
the effects to your dog from getting into your purse and eating a pack of
gum can be severe. With prompt treatment for the low blood sugar, the
prognosis is good, and mild liver enzyme elevations typically resolve over a
few days with appropriate treatment. However, with severe liver enzyme
elevations and coagulopathies, the prognosis is guarded to poor, which is
why prompt treatment is essential. Remember to keep your gum, mints,
and any other items containing xylitol out of reach of our pets, and if they
should get into it, please let us know right away.
Like many
people, Holly's family
(pictured right) had no
idea that snagging a
pack of gum could be so
dangerous to her health.
Thankfully, her family
noticed her acting
strangely and brought
her in just in time.
Holly stayed with us for
a couple of days to
treat her xylitol
ingestion. After
hospitalization and
treatment, Holly has
made a full recovery.
She is pictured here
feeling much better -
her family was ready for
her to come home!
Pictured left are a couple of packs of gum found around the
house that contain the ingredient, xylitol.
Parker Center Animal Hospital
is a full service, AAHA accredited animal hospital located in Parker, CO
