# Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/xylitol-poisoning-in-dogs): Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs — Quick answer. Xylitol causes a dangerous insulin surge in dogs, leading to potentially fatal hypoglycaemia and liver failure. It appears in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, baked goods, and many household products. If your dog ate anything containing xylitol, call your vet or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 immediately — do not wait for symptoms.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/xylitol-poisoning-in-dogs): Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs — Key takeaways. Xylitol triggers a dangerous insulin surge in dogs — as little as about 0.1 g/kg can cause hypoglycaemia; higher doses risk acute liver failure. Common UK sources include sugar-free gum, some peanut butters, toothpaste, and sugar-free sweets — always check labels. Call your vet or Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) immediately with the product and amount — do not wait for symptoms.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/xylitol-poisoning-in-dogs): Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs — Why xylitol is deadly for dogs. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener. In dogs — but not in people — it triggers a rapid release of insulin from the pancreas. Blood sugar plummets within minutes to hours. At higher doses, xylitol also causes hepatotoxicity — acute liver failure that may appear one to three days after ingestion, even if initial hypoglycaemia was treated. Toxicity depends on the dog's weight and the product's xylitol concentration, which is often not listed clearly on packaging. Treat any known ingestion as urgent.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/xylitol-poisoning-in-dogs): Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs — Approximate xylitol dose bands. UK veterinary poison guidance commonly uses these approximate bands (always confirm with your vet — individual sensitivity varies): | Approximate xylitol dose | Typical effect | |---|---| | Around 0.1 g/kg (100 mg/kg) | Hypoglycaemia risk — low blood sugar, weakness, seizures | | Around 0.5 g/kg and above | Higher risk of acute liver failure | | Unknown amount / sugar-free gum | Treat as emergency — gum pieces vary widely in xylitol content | Use these figures only as a rough guide before you phone. Product labels rarely state exact xylitol grams.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/xylitol-poisoning-in-dogs): Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs — Products that may contain xylitol. Check labels carefully. Common sources include: - Sugar-free chewing gum and mints - Sugar-free candy and chocolate - Peanut butter and nut butters (some brands) — see can dogs eat peanut butter UK - Sugar-free baked goods and ice cream - Toothpaste and mouthwash - Chewable vitamins and melatonin gummies - Sugar-free medications and nasal sprays - Some protein bars and sports supplements "Natural" or "sugar-free" labels do not mean safe for dogs. Peanut butter is a frequent unexpected source — verify the brand before using it to administer medication.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/xylitol-poisoning-in-dogs