Treat any suspected xylitol ingestion as an emergency. Do not wait for symptoms. Call a veterinarian or poison hotline immediately. Store all sugar-free products in closed cabinets and check labels before sharing human foods.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol sweetener in sugar-free gum, mints, candy, baked goods, toothpaste, mouthwash, chewable vitamins, and some peanut butters. May appear on labels as birch sugar, wood sugar, or sugar alcohol.
In susceptible pets, xylitol may trigger rapid insulin release causing severe hypoglycemia within a short time. Larger exposures may also cause liver injury.
Products vary widely in concentration. Even small pieces of gum or a spoonful of sweetened spread may be dangerous. Check labels before sharing any human food or supplement.
