As many people are already aware, ingestion of products containing xylitol by your dog can be fatal. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this product, it is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol. Most commercial sources of xylitol are coming from corncobs or birch trees. Other fruits, such as raspberries, are also said to contain xylitol, but in extremely small amounts. The product is used as a sugar substitute as it contains significantly fewer calories than table sugar and has a similar texture. This is helpful for diabetics and people trying to decrease their sugar consumption, but it is not so great for your fellow canine. Less is currently known about the toxicity in other animals. It is also used in various dental products.
The toxic dose is thought to be greater than 0.1g/kg for causing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and greater than 0.5g/kg to cause severe liver damage (acute hepatic necrosis) and potentially death (1). Products such as chewing gums may contain a significant amount of xylitol. Because of the sweet taste, most dogs are eager to ingest products containing this sugar substitute.
In dogs, xylitol is absorbed rapidly. If the dog is observed eating a product containing xylitol, then vomiting should be initiated immediately or as soon as possible. Typically, low blood sugar is the immediate concern, but up to 72 hours later, the dog may go into acute liver failure. There are no known antidotes. Bring your dog to a veterinarian or an emergency veterinary facility immediately for treatment. Treatment is supportive.
So, if you have pets and kids or counter surfing dogs, I would be very careful with using products containing xylitol. Make sure to read labels carefully. You may notice some pet products contain xylitol. A few dental products contain this ingredient as it helps with oral bacterial health, but the concentration is very low. That being said, if you have a dog that likes to chew things up, make sure any products containing xylitol are kept out of your pet's reach.
1. Blackwell's Five Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion Small Animal Toxicology, Gary D. Osweiler et al, Wiley- Blackwell 2011.