It has been known for quite some time that there is a link between xylitol ingestion and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in dogs. Now, with the prevalance of this sweeter in human foods, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has noted a connection between xylitol consumption and acute toxicity in dogs. Xylitol has also been suspected of causing toxicity in ferrets2.
Signs of toxicity can be seen as quickly as 30 minutes after xylitol ingestion in dogs. The xylitol causes a rapid release of the hormone insulin, causing a sudden decrease in blood glucose. This in turn may cause the following symptoms3:
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Ataxia (uncoordinated movements)
- Depression
- Hypokalemia (decreased potassium)
- Seizures
- Coma
- Liver dysfunction and/or failure
If you suspect that your pet has eaten a xylitol-containing sweet or food, please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center as soon as possible. If is soon after ingestion (before clinical signs develop), your vet may advise inducing vomiting to expel the xylitol item(s). Veterinary treatment involves close monitoring and treating the resultant low blood glucose and possible low potassium levels.
Related Reading and Resources:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Hotline information
Xylitol Sugar Substitute Toxic to Dogs
By David Edelman
Is Chewing Gum Toxic to Your Pet?
By Dr. Debra Primovic
Xylitol Information
From Wikipedia
Raisin, Grape and Xylitol Toxicity
By Dr. Bob Judd, DVM and the Texas Farm Bureau
References:
1Xylitol information from Wikipedia
2Man claims sugarless gum to blame for pet ferret's death
From WKYC-TV, Cleveland Ohio
