While dogs often ingest chewing gum without immediate distress, certain types can be harmful, particularly due to xylitol, a common low-calorie artificial sweetener. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, and even a small amount can lead to severe health issues or potentially be fatal. Many chewing gums contain varying amounts of xylitol, and the exact composition may not be known, complicating the situation when a dog consumes gum.

💡 Key Takeaways

  • Xylitol in chewing gum is typically highly toxic to dogs, leading to severe health issues like hypoglycemia and liver damage, requiring immediate veterinary care if ingested.
  • Dogs can experience symptoms of xylitol poisoning within 30-60 minutes, including vomiting, lethargy, and seizures, making early recognition and quick action essential.
  • Even chewing gum without xylitol can pose risks, such as intestinal blockage, so monitoring your dog closely and consulting your vet after ingestion is recommended.

The risks and dangers of dogs eating chewing gum

The main concern with dogs eating gum is the presence of xylitol, a low-calorie sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. Found in sugar-free gum, xylitol can cause serious health issues like low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia, and potential liver damage. Symptoms of xylitol toxicity in dogs can appear within 30-60 minutes after ingestion.

Gum without xylitol can still be hazardous, potentially causing intestinal blockages in dogs. Symptoms to watch for include drooling, vomiting, lack of appetite, and abdominal pain. Xylitol in sugar-free gum makes chewing gum particularly dangerous for dogs.

How xylitol affects dogs

Xylitol, a low-calorie sugar substitute and toxic sweetener in sugar-free gum, can cause a rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels. As little as 0.05 grams of xylitol per pound of body weight can be toxic to your dog.

Beyond hypoglycemia, higher doses of xylitol can cause liver failure in dogs within 24 to 48 hours. This is why it is so important to see your veterinarian, or emergency veterinarian if you suspect your dog ingested chewing gum with xylitol.

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs

Dogs that have eaten gum can develop symptoms of xylitol poisoning can appear within 30-60 minutes and require quick action from you.

Here are some things to keep an eye out for:

Early signs (within 30-60 minutes of ingestion - related to hypoglycemia)

  • Loss of Appetite (Anorexia): Your dog may suddenly refuse food.
  • Vomiting: This can be one of the first signs.
  • Diarrhea: Loose stools or diarrhea may develop.
  • Lethargy: Your dog may seem unusually tired or sluggish.
  • Uncoordinated Movements (Ataxia): Stumbling, staggering, or a "drunken" appearance.
  • Restlessness: Pacing, whining, or an inability to settle down.
  • Weakness: Difficulty standing or moving around.
  • Collapse: Falling down or becoming unresponsive.
  • Seizures: Convulsions or uncontrolled shaking.

Later signs (12-72 hours after exposure - related to liver injury):

  • Jaundice (Icterus): Yellowing of the skin, gums, and whites of the eyes.
  • Vomiting: May continue or worsen.
  • Diarrhea: May continue or become bloody.
  • Abdominal Pain: Your dog may be tender to the touch in the belly area, or show signs of discomfort.

Pale gums are another critical symptom, indicating serious health issues and that you should seek immediate veterinary care.

Spotting these symptoms early is absolutely important for a good outcome with xylitol poisoning in dogs. If you even think your dog might have eaten something with xylitol, don't wait – call your vet right away.

dog showing interest in chewing gum

How much xylitol is toxic to dogs?

Keep in mind that a single piece of sugar-free gum can contain up to 1 gram of xylitol! Here’s what that might look like for dogs of different sizes:

  • Small dog (around 10kg):
    • Hypoglycemia risk: Approximately 1 piece (since 75-100 mg/kg equates to 750-1,000 mg)
    • Liver failure risk: Around 5 pieces (500 mg/kg equates to 5,000 mg)
  • Medium dog (around 20 kg):
    • Hypoglycemia risk: About 2 pieces (1,500-2,000 mg total)
    • Liver failure risk: Approximately 10 pieces
  • Large dog (around 30 kg):
    • Hypoglycemia risk: Roughly 3 pieces (2,250-3,000 mg total)
    • Liver failure risk: About 15 pieces

Remember, every dog reacts differently, so these numbers are just rough guidelines.

Immediate actions to take if your dog ate gum

If your dog has eaten gum with xylitol, seek urgent veterinary care immediately. Contact your vet for guidance, even if no symptoms are present. Acting quickly improves the chances of a positive outcome.

If your dog shows toxicity signs like vomiting or lethargy after dog eating gum or if your dog recently eaten gum, seek immediate veterinary help. Time is of the essence, so any delays can affect the outcome.

How will your vet treat xylitol toxicity from chewing gum?

If your dog eats gum with xylitol, a low-calorie artificial sweetener, it's important to act fast and get veterinary help. Xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, leading to seizures. If your dog has eaten gum, your vet might try to induce vomiting, but this has to be done quickly and ideally within 30 minutes of ingestion.

Additionally, activated charcoal, which is commonly used to help bind toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, doesn't work in this case as it doesn't bind xylitol.

To stabilize your dog's blood sugar, your vet might give them a sugar solution through an IV. If your dog can eat, giving them small, frequent meals with sugars and carbohydrates can also help, especially if their blood sugar is very low.

Other products containing xylitol

Xylitol is a common sugar substitute and can also be found in the following products:

  • Sugar-free candy
  • Peanut butter
  • Toothpaste
  • Chewable vitamins
  • Nasal sprays
  • Sunscreen
  • Deodorant
  • Baby wipes
  • Hair care products

Sugar-free candies and gummy vitamins often contain xylitol, which is harmful to dogs. Some peanut butters also contain xylitol, posing a risk to dogs. Additionally, toothpaste can include xylitol, making it toxic to dogs if ingested.

What to do if your dog ate chewing gum that does not contain xylitol?

Not all chewing gums contain xylitol. Gums with sugar substitutes like sorbitol, aspartame, and mannitol are not toxic to dogs, but consuming large pieces can cause intestinal obstruction.

If your dog eats gum without xylitol, monitor closely for signs of gastrointestinal distress. Call your veterinarian for advice if any symptoms appear or if your dog seems uncomfortable.

In summary, if a dog has eaten gum, it can pose significant risks, especially if the gum contains xylitol. Immediate veterinary attention is extremely important if your dog has ingested xylitol. Recognizing the symptoms of xylitol poisoning, understanding the toxic doses, and knowing the immediate actions to take can save your dog’s life. Always keep products containing xylitol out of reach of pets and consult your veterinarian for any concerns.