Food
Xylitol (birch sugar)
A true emergency. Even a single piece of gum can cause dangerous hypoglycaemia in a small dog.
Life-threateningDogsFerretsRabbits
What to do right now
- 1.Phone a vet immediately — this cannot wait for symptoms
- 2.Bring the packaging so the xylitol content can be calculated
- 3.Do not give food or drink unless instructed
Symptoms
- Weakness and collapse
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Jaundice from liver failure
Details
- Category
- Food
- Toxicity
- Life-threatening
- Species affected
- Dogs, Ferrets, Rabbits
- Routes of exposure
- Eaten in sugar-free gum, sweets, peanut butter, baked goods, some medicines and toothpaste
- Urgency
- A true emergency. Even a single piece of gum can cause dangerous hypoglycaemia in a small dog.
Veterinary treatment
Xylitol triggers a massive insulin release in dogs and can cause acute liver necrosis. Treatment involves blood glucose monitoring, dextrose infusion and liver support.