As a responsible dog owner, you are probably already aware of certain foods that you should never give to your pets such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes and raisins.  But today with all of the new sugar-free products that are flooding the market, you may not know that one of the things these products have in common is a Sugar Substitute called Xylitol which is extremely toxic to dogs.  In fact, it’s even more dangerous than chocolate.

What exactly is xylitol?  It is a sugar alcohol that is often used as a sugar substitute in more and more human food products and even some nonfood products as well.  While it’s usually not a good idea to give your dog people food in the first place for many reasons, you should be especially aware of where this substance can be  lurking in some surprisingly common foods and other products as well, in order to keep your pets safe from accidental poisoning.

Why It’s So Dangerous

A dog that has ingested xylitol can experience a huge  and sudden increase in insulin.  The dog may suddenly display symptoms such as weakness, vomiting, inability to stand or walk.  In fact, it’s so dangerous that within 15 or 20 minutes of swallowing it your pet may even become comatose.

Alarmingly, cases of xylitol poisoning have been increasing rapidly since 2009, according to the Poison Pet Helpline.  In fact, between 2009 and 2015 cases of xylitol poisoning have increased nearly tenfold.  That’s why it is so important to learn about what foods and other products contain xylitol, how to read labels to check ingredients, and what to do if your dog does accidentally ingest it.

Common Products Containing Xylitol

One of the most familiar is sugar-free gum.  While the dosage can vary between different brands of gum, any gum being advertised as sugar-free probably has at least some xylitol in it.  Of course your dog shouldn’t be chewing gum in the first place….:-) but how often has your dog stolen something like a packet of gum out of your purse or pocket, or even grabbed it off the table or countertop?  Be sure to keep these kinds of products out of your pet’s reach.

Other common xylitol containing products are toothpastes and mouthwashes.  Manufacturers often use xylitol because it gives these products their pleasing taste as well as plaque-fighting and tooth-strengthening properties.

Due to the popularity of sugar-free foods, especially for diabetics, xylitol is now used in many baked goods.  You can even buy xylitol in many grocery stores to be used as a sugar substitute when baking your own goodies.  But remember, those delectable cupcakes or cookies you’ve just baked with xylitol can quickly become a life-threatening emergency if your pet eats them.

Today many grocery stores carry more and more sugar-free foods such as peanut butter, ketchup, pudding, etc.  That’s why it is so important to read labels carefully before giving anything to your dog.  While some products are clearly labeled that they contain xylitol, others are not so clear.  If a label says “sugar alcohol,” that’s another name for xylitol.

Surprising Sources of Xylitol

If a medication is said to “melt away” it probably contains xylitol.  This includes many liquid prescription medications, as well as melatonin and gummy vitamins.

Another category of products that may contain xylitol are things such as deodorants.  Why would it be in your deodorant?  Because it helps these products retain moisture.  Crazy, right?  And why would your dog eat your deodorant?  Because dogs sometimes chew up or try to eat anything they can put in their mouth.  How many of you have had your dog eat your shoes or chew up your underwear?  I know I have!

Better Safe Than Sorry

So obviously, the common sense thing to do is keep all of these products up on a high shelf or locked up somewhere that your dog can’t get to them.  But even with the best of intentions, sometimes our pets have a way of getting into things anyway.  If you know or even suspect that your dog has ingested xylitol, you should call your vet or the Pet Poison Hotline immediately.  They will tell you what to do next.

What is the strangest thing your pet has ever eaten?  Please share in the comments.  Until next time, keep your pets safe, healthy and happy!