Xylitol: Potentially Lethal Sugar Substitute
New Findings show that xylitol can produce acute and life-threatening liver disease and bleeding disorder in dogs, as well as a low blood sugar. What amounts are we talking about? Consider several recent cases:

30 pieces of gum eaten by a 5 yr Scottish terrier
12 cupcakes eaten by a 4 yr Australian shepherd
5-6 cookies eaten by a 3 yr-old standard poodle
8 muffins eaten by a 6 yr-old Dalmatian
4 large frosted muffins eaten by a 4 yr-oldWelsh springer spaniel
1 lb of xylitol powder eaten by a 6 yr-old Labrador mix
100 pieces of gum eaten by a 7 yr-old miniature dachshund
1/4 lb of xylitol sweetener by an 8 yr-old Labrador retriever

Five of these eight dogs were euthanized or died because of liver failure. If you are using foods or cooking products with xylitol as an artificial sweetener, keep them locked out of reach from your dog. Don't offer your dog any product sweetened with xylitol. If your dog eats a food or gum containing xylitol, seek immediate veterinary help at our hospital, 451-4772, or at a local emergency service. Inducing vomiting to decrease absorption of the xylitol will be important. Don't assume your dog is OK just because they look OK at the moment.

- Number of 2005 Xylitol-Related Cases Up More Than 150% Over Previous Year
- Sugar-free Chewing Gums, Candies, Baked Goods Among Products

Urbana, Ill., August 21, 2006—The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center cautions animal owners that xylitol, a sweetener found in certain sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods and other products can potentially cause serious and even life-threatening problems for pets.

“Last year, we managed more than 170 cases involving xylitol-containing products,” says Dana Farbman, CVT and spokesperson for the Center. “This is a significant increase from 2004, when we managed about 70.” Barely halfway into 2006, the Center has already managed about 114 cases. Why the increase? “It’s difficult to say,” Farbman states. “Xylitol products are relatively new to the United States marketplace, so one possibility may be an increase in availability.”

According to Dr. Eric Dunayer, veterinarian and toxicologist for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, dogs ingesting significant amounts of items sweetened with xylitol could develop a fairly sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. “These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30 minutes after ingestion of the product. Therefore, it is crucial that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately.” Dr. Dunayer also stated that there appears to be a strong link between xylitol ingestions and the development of liver failure in dogs.

While it was previously thought that only large concentrations of xylitol could result in problems, this appears to no longer be the case. “We seem to be learning new information with each subsequent case we manage,” says Dr. Dunayer. “Our concern used to be mainly with products that contain xylitol as one of the first ingredients. However, we have begun to see problems developing from ingestions of products with lesser amounts of this sweetener.” He also says that with smaller concentrations of xylitol, the onset of clinical signs could be delayed as much as 12 hours after ingestion. “Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that even if your pet does not develop signs right away, it does not mean that problems won’t develop later on.”

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center strongly urges pet owners to be especially diligent in keeping candy, gum or other foods containing xylitol out of the reach of pets. As with any potentially toxic substance, should accidental exposures occur, it is important to contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for immediate assistance.